Weekly hot topic

World Patient Safety Day 2023

No one should suffer harm when seeking medical care. Yet, globally, more than 3 million deaths are linked to unsafe care each year. On 17 September, we observe World Patient Safety Day. This year we are focusing on the crucial roles of patients, families, and caregivers in healthcare safety. Evidence shows that when patients are treated as partners in their care, significant gains are made in safety, patient satisfaction and health outcomes. 
 

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Other hot topics

Walk the Talk New York 2023

 

The Walk the Talk New York: Health for All Challenge returns on Sunday, 17 September 2023 to Central Park, New York to provide a healthy kickstart to the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly high-level week.

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WHO's Channel on WhatsApp is going global

Here you will find tips to maintain and improve your health, and stay up to date with the latest health news. Together, we can lead healthier, happier lives  Please make sure to download the latest WhatsApp update on your phone to access this new feature. 

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Decriminalization of suicide

Suicide and suicide attempts are criminalized in at least 23 countries worldwide and suicide attempts continue to be actively punished in some of them. The criminalization of suicide creates an environment that fosters blame towards people who attempt suicide and deters people from seeking timely help.

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Unprecedented focus on global public health at UN General Assembly

At the United Nations in New York next week, WHO urges world leaders to commit to progress on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response and to secure health for all, end tuberculosis, and reinvigorate the Sustainable Development Goals. 

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updates on COVID-19 from CDC..

September 11, 2023
This message includes updates on COVID-19 from CDC.



COVID-19 Immunity

Immunity against COVID-19 is stronger today than at any other point since COVID-19 emerged. Immunity from vaccines and/or previous infection acts like a shield against the virus and reduces your chance of getting a serious infection. But we still need to be cautious because immune protection decreases over time. This is especially important for older adults, who make up most of the hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19.

We also have to remember that the virus that causes COVID-19 continues to change. For example, we are currently learning more about a newer variant called BA.2.86. It’s a reminder to use the tools we have to fight COVID-19.


Here are ways to keep you and your loved ones safe as we head into the fall season.

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COVID-19 Vaccines

The updated COVID-19 vaccine is likely to be available in mid-September. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will meet tomorrow, September 12, 2023, to review scientific data and is expected to discuss and vote on vaccine recommendations. Meetings are open to the public and available online via live webcast.

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COVID Data

COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths are increasing in the United States but remain relatively low compared to peaks seen last year. Although hospitalization rates have increased in all age groups since early July, rates have increased the most in adults 65 years and older and in infants and children, especially infants younger than 6 months. Keep an eye on COVID-19 levels in your area by visiting the COVID Data Tracker.

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Introducing CDC’s Respiratory Virus Updates

Be prepared for the fall and winter respiratory virus season. CDC has created a go-to spot for posting updates on respiratory viruses every week. Make sure to favorite this site to get the latest data and science, prevention tips, vaccination updates, and more.


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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1600 Clifton Rd Atlanta, GA 30329 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: 888-232-6348

Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau..

 Removing barriers to build more homes, faster in London, Ontario

September 13, 2023
London, Ontario

Right now, in communities across the country, including London, Ontario, it is too hard to build the housing we need, especially affordable housing. That’s why the federal government is working together with municipalities to break down barriers and build more homes, more quickly, to help people – from young families, to seniors, to newcomers – find a good, affordable place to call home.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the federal government has reached an agreement with the City of London, Ontario, to fast-track the creation of over 2,000 additional housing units over the next three years alone, and build thousands more in the years to come. This is the first agreement under the Housing Accelerator Fund, which was launched earlier this year to cut red tape, fix outdated local policies like zoning, and build more homes, faster.

This agreement will provide $74 million to increase the housing supply in London. With this new funding, London will allow for high-density development without the need for re-zoning – eliminating a major barrier to creating the types of homes we need. London will also move to allow up to four units to be built on a single property in low-density neighbourhoods, dispose of city-owned land for more development, and create partnerships with non-profit housing providers to build more affordable homes. Overall, this plan means more homes close to public transit, more rental units for students, and more housing, ranging from duplexes and triplexes to small apartment buildings.

The Housing Accelerator Fund helps cut red tape and fast track at least 100,000 new homes for people in towns, cities, and Indigenous communities across the country. It asks for innovative action plans from local governments, and once approved, provides upfront funding to ensure the timely building of new homes, as well as additional funds upon delivering results. Every agreement under the Housing Accelerator Fund will require municipalities to end exclusionary zoning and encourage apartment building around public transit in order to help seniors, students, and families. Local governments are encouraged to think big and be bold in their approaches, which could include accelerating project timelines, allowing increased housing density, and encouraging affordable housing units.

NATO latest

 

Press Release 13 September 2023

NATO Secretary General meets with the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine On Thursday, 14 September 2023, the NATO Secretary General, Mr. Jens Stoltenberg, will receive the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Ms. Olha Stefanishyna, at NATO Headquarters.   There will be no media opportunities. Photographs of the meeting will be available on the NATO website after the event.   For more information: Contact the NATO Press Office

13 September 2023

NATO Deputy Secretary General to visit the Republic of Moldova On 14 - 15 September 2023, the NATO Deputy Secretary General, Mr Mircea Geoană, will travel to Chişinău. During his visit, the Deputy Secretary General will meet the President of the Republic of Moldova, Ms Maia Sandu, the Speaker of the Parliament, Mr Igor Grosu and the Prime Minister, Mr Dorin Recean. He will also meet with the Chief of the National Army General Staff, Commander of the National Army, Brigadier General, Eduard Ohladciuc and State Secretaries of the Ministry of Defence Mr Valeriu Mija and Mr Sergiu Plop.   Mr Geoană will also engage with students and representatives of civil society.   Media advisory 14 September 2023, 12:35 (local time EEST)        Joint press statements with Prime Minister Dorin Recean   The joint press statements will be streamed live on the Facebook Page of the Government of the Republic of Moldova. Photographs of Mr Geoană's engagements will be available on the NATO website.   Contact the NATO Press Office Follow the Deputy Secretary General on Twitter @Mircea_Geoana

Federal Reserve Board Notification...

Adriana D. Kugler sworn in as a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/other20230913c.htm Released by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System Philip N. Jefferson sworn in as Vice Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/other20230913a.htm Released by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System Lisa D. Cook sworn in for her second term as a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/other20230913b.htm Released by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System Z1 Financial Accounts   Visit us on the web at Federal Reserve Board.

IMF update

 

Dear MARIA, We just published a new blog—please find the full text below.  Global Debt Is Returning to its Rising Trend (Credit: Chun Han/iStock by Getty Images) By Vitor Gaspar, Marcos Poplawski-Ribeiro, and Jiae Yoo The global debt burden retreated for the second year in a row, even though it remains above its already-high pre-pandemic level, according to the latest update of our Global Debt Database. The total debt stood at 238 percent of global gross domestic product last year, 9 percentage points higher than in 2019. In US dollar terms, debt amounted to $235 trillion, or $200 billion above its level in 2021. Policymakers will need to be unwavering over the next few years in their commitment to preserving debt sustainability. Despite the economic growth rebound from 2020 and much higher-than-expected inflation, public debt remained stubbornly high. Fiscal deficits kept public debt levels elevated, as many governments spent more to boost growth and respond to food and energy price spikes even as they ended pandemic-related fiscal support.

ΔΙΕΘΝΗΣ ΑΓΡΟΤΙΚΗ ΕΝΗΜΕΡΩΣΗ

 

Cluck, Cluck Hooray for National Chicken Month! As fall approaches, September celebrates the most-consumed meat in the United States: chicken. Two-thirds of U.S. chicken are raised in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Texas. And did you know that U.S. chicken meat is also a top agricultural export for our nation? Foreign markets are increasingly important to the U.S. chicken industry, accounting for $4.4 billion in exports and 16 percent of global production in 2022. The United States is the world's second-largest exporter, with more than 145 countries importing U.S. frozen chicken leg quarters, legs, and thighs last year. Please click here to read more >>

The following GAIN reports were released on September 11, 2023. _______   Australia: Livestock and Products Annual Australian beef supply is forecast to recover in 2024 to the point of reaching the sixth highest production on record. The 2024 forecast is after a significant turning point in 2023, where production is estimated to grow by 16 percent from the lows of 2021 and 2022 not seen for 25 years because of a strong herd rebuild phase restricting cattle supply for processing. Beef exports are forecast to reach the fourth highest on record in 2024 and regain some market share in three of its biggest Asian market destinations. Australian pork production is forecast to increase slightly in 2024 after strong growth in 2023. The rise in pork production is forecast to result in a slight increase in exports but lower than usual imports. Pork imports from the United States are expected to revert to past dominance of in excess of half of overall imports.   European Union: Oilseeds and Products Update This report updates several sections of the European Union’s “Oilseeds and Products Annual” report released in April 2023. Updated sections include soybean, rapeseed, and sunflower. An area-increase of about 2 percent and increased average yields are forecast to result in a 6 percent higher production of total three major oilseeds in MY 2023/24. Compared to the previous MY, where heat and drought significantly reduced yields of especially late crops, soybean production is forecast to be over 16 percent up, sunflower production 12 percent up, and rapeseed production almost 2 percent up.

 

AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT Milk and dairy products newsletter

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Latest update Dashboard: Milk and dairy products Highlights EU dairy prices in the last 4 weeks: butter: 438 €/100 kg (-2.2%) , SMP: 227 €/100 kg (-0.2%), WMP: 327 €/100 kg (-1.7%), cheddar : 358 €/100 kg (-0.0%); IT spot milk price slightly up, now at 52.3 c/kg (10/09/2023); Feed costs decreased by -3.3% and energy costs increased by +1.3% in week 36 compared to the previous 4 weeks. Related links EU milk and dairy products policy | EU agricultural markets short-term outlook Agricultural markets dashboard – poultry meat View the latest update Related links EU poultry policy | EU agricultural markets short-term outlook