Latest news with #FMWC
National Post
6 days ago
- Health
- National Post
As RSV Season Approaches, the Federation of Medical Women of Canada Urges National Response to Protect Infants Across the Country
Article content FMWC's Maternal RSV Task Force releases new white paper highlighting gaps in access and calls for immediate action ahead of RSV season Article content TORONTO — Today, the Federation of Medical Women of Canada (FMWC) released its latest white paper through the Maternal RSV Task Force—a national group of experts in maternal, infant, and public health—highlighting the urgent need for equitable access to maternal RSV prevention across Canada. With the 2025–2026 RSV season approaching, the task force is calling for immediate action to protect infants, especially healthy, full-term newborns who account for the majority of severe RSV cases. Article content Article content Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the leading cause of infant hospitalizations in Canada, with 1 in 50 infants hospitalized during their first year of life 1. The RSV virus causes upper and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) 2, and babies who develop LRTI in early childhood have almost double the risk of premature death from respiratory disease relative to unaffected individuals. 3 Although two newly approved RSV immunization options have been authorized by Health Canada — a maternal vaccine RSVpreF (Abrysvo™, Pfizer) and a monoclonal antibody for infants nirsevimab (Beyfortus™, Sanofi) — access remains inconsistent across provinces and territories. Article content Ontario is leading by covering both RSVpreF for pregnant women and pregnant people and nirsevimab for infants, yet provinces like B.C. only cover the older monoclonal antibody, palivizumab, for high-risk infants — leaving 98% of infants unprotected and at risk for RSV. 4 'With two safe and effective immunization options now available, we have the tools to protect infants from RSV—but awareness, access, and equity remain critical challenges,' says Dr. Vivien Brown, Family Physician and Co-Chair of the FMWC Maternal RSV Task Force. 'This white paper highlights the urgent need for national coordination, public funding, and ongoing education to ensure that every pregnant woman and pregnant person, regardless of where they live, can protect their infant from this serious and preventable disease.' Article content The white paper outlines 13 short- and long-term recommendations to improve RSV prevention in Canada, including: Article content Public funding for RSV immunization (maternal vaccine year-round; nirsevimab seasonally) Authorizing pharmacists to administer publicly funded vaccines Tailoring education for a range of healthcare providers, including midwives and pharmacists Engaging with manufacturers to clarify the predicted availability of immunization options Implementing a universal, national immunization registry Strengthening national guidance on vaccination and provincial implementation Article content 'This is fundamentally about health equity,' says Dr. Shelley Ross, Family Physician and Co-Chair of the FMWC Maternal RSV Task Force. 'Our hope is that by providing a clear, evidence-based roadmap that outlines the steps we can take as a united healthcare system, we can close the gaps and ensure every infant in Canada has the opportunity to be protected from RSV, regardless of geography or circumstance.' Article content The task force also launched a national hub for healthcare providers and the public, offering up-to-date information and comprehensive educational resources on RSV and RSV protection strategies. Article content The FMWC urges pregnant women and pregnant people to speak with their healthcare providers about RSV prevention options and calls on policymakers to help close the access gap as the upcoming 2025–2026 RSV season begins. Article content For more details on the FMWC Maternal RSV White Paper and its recommendations, please visit Article content About FMWC Article content The Federation of Medical Women of Canada (FMWC) is a national organization recognized for its leadership and advocacy for women's evolving health. We are committed to promoting the well-being and health of women and women-identifying individuals both within the medical profession and society at large. The FMWC has a 100-year history in Canada, is a member of the non-governmental organization (NGO) section of the Department of Global Affairs at the United Nations (UN) and is a member of the Medical Women's International Association (MWIA), making us a part of the Economic and Social Council of the UN (ECOSO). For more information, please visit: Article content _____________________________ 1 Government of Canada. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines: Canadian Immunization Guide. immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/ Updated May 14, 2025. Accessed May 21, 2025. 2 Sanchez-Martinez A, Moore T, Freitas TS, et al. Recent advances in the prevention and treatment of respiratory syncytial virus disease. J Gen Virol. 2025;106(4). doi: 10.1099/jgv.0.002095 3 Zar HJ, Cacho F, Kootbodien T, et al. Early-life respiratory syncytial virus disease and long-term respiratory health. Lancet Respir Med. 2024;12(10):810-821. 4 Paes B, Brown V, Courtney E, et al. Optimal implementation of an Ontario nirsevimab program for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prophylaxis: Recommendations from a provincial RSV expert panel. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2024;20(1):2429236. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Media: Article content Article content Article content Article content
Associated Press
05-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Incisive Software Named Exclusive Provider of Spreadsheet Intelligence Software for the Financial Modeling World Cup
CAMPBELL, CA, UNITED STATES, March 5, 2025 / / -- Incisive Software, a leader in advanced data analytics and spreadsheet intelligence solutions, and the prestigious Financial Modeling World Cup (FMWC) are proud to announce FMWC's exclusive selection of Incisive's Spreadsheet Intelligence Software, Xcellerator, for FMWC members. This strategic partnership underscores FMWC's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance financial modeling and data analysis and to advance the skills of Excel enthusiasts world-wide. 'Our goal at Incisive Software is to empower professionals with solutions that streamline data management, reduce errors, and provide deeper insights,' said Jack Smith, CEO of Incisive Software. 'Being chosen by FMWC as their exclusive spreadsheet intelligence partner is a tremendous honor and provides a secret weapon for their members to buff their Excel skills and bolster their reputation as experts in their field. And, ultimately to do better in the competitive world of FMWC. The FMWC, renowned for its rigorous competitions and high-caliber participants, sets the benchmark for financial modeling excellence worldwide. By providing access to Incisive Software their members will now benefit from: • Personal Development By leveraging the advanced algorithms that detect and correct errors, Xcellerator shows users where they make errors and instructs them on how to overcome them • Innovation: acts as the user's assistant to streamline complex financial models and find errors so the user can spend more time being creative and inventing new models. • Reputational Growth: Powerful tools allow users to be sure of the accuracy of their models and decsions. 'Selecting Incisive Software was a natural decision for FMWC,' stated Andrew Grigolyunovich, Founder & CEO of FMWC. 'Incisive's innovative approach aligns perfectly with our mission to foster excellence and best in class capabilities to our members. This partnership will elevate the overall competitive experience and improve our members' performance both at work and in the competition.' This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both organizations. Incisive's Xcellerator product will be made available at a discount for all FMWC members, ensuring every participant has access to industry-leading technology to optimize performance and inspire breakthrough insights. For details on the Financial Modeling World Cup and upcoming events, visit ________________________________________ About Incisive Software Incisive Software is a pioneering technology firm dedicated to developing intelligent data solutions that empower professionals that leverage Excel spreadsheets to run their business. The company provides robust tools designed to transform how spreadsheet enthusiasts analyze, process, and interpret complex data sets. About the Financial Modeling World Cup Financial Modeling World Cup is the organization behind globally recognized financial modeling and Excel competitions, bringing together the brightest minds from around the world. Committed to excellence and innovation, FMWC sets the stage for groundbreaking advancements in financial analysis and data-driven decision-making. Katrina Anevica FMWC +371 27 116 956
