Latest news with #MinistryofPublicHealth
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First Post
6 hours ago
- Health
- First Post
WHO warns of global chikungunya comeback amid surging 2025 outbreaks
The latest surge began in early 2025, with severe outbreaks in the same Indian Ocean islands that had previously been affected, notably La Reunion, Mayotte, and Mauritius. read more A female mosquito is seen on the forearm of a health technician in a laboratory at the entomology department of the Ministry of Public Health in Guatemala City. File image/ Reuters The World Health Organization issued an urgent call to action on Tuesday to prevent a recurrence of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus epidemic that swept the globe two decades ago, as fresh outbreaks related to the Indian Ocean region spread to Europe and other continents. Diana Rojas Alvarez, a medical official at the WHO, told reporters in Geneva that an estimated 5.6 billion people reside in regions of 119 nations where the virus can cause high fever, joint discomfort, and long-term impairment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'We are seeing history repeating itself,' she said, drawing parallels to the 2004-2005 epidemic, which affected nearly half a million people, primarily in small island territories, before spreading around the world. The latest surge began in early 2025, with severe outbreaks in the same Indian Ocean islands that had previously been affected, notably La Reunion, Mayotte, and Mauritius. Rojas Alvarez estimates that one-third of La Reunion's population has already been affected. The virus is already moving to Madagascar, Somalia, and Kenya, and it has caused epidemic transmission in Southeast Asia, including India. The rising number of imported cases, as well as recent local transmission inside Europe, are particularly concerning. Rojas Alvarez reported that there have been approximately 800 imported chikungunya cases in continental France since May 1. Twelve local transmission episodes have been detected in several southern French regions, meaning individuals were infected by local mosquitoes without having travelled to endemic areas. A case was also detected last week in Italy. Chikungunya, for which there is no specific treatment and which is spread primarily by Aedes mosquito species, including the 'tiger mosquito' which also transmits dengue, and Zika, can cause rapid and large outbreaks. As the mosquitoes bite in the daytime, prevention is key, through the use of insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Straits Times
9 hours ago
- Health
- Straits Times
World Health Organization raises concern about spread of mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus
FILE PHOTO: A female mosquito is seen on the forearm of a health technician in a laboratory at the entomology department of the Ministry of Public Health in Guatemala City, February 4, 2016. REUTERS/Josue Decavele/File Photo GENEVA - The World Health Organization issued an urgent call for action on Tuesday to prevent a repeat of an epidemic of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus that swept the globe two decades ago, as new outbreaks linked to the Indian Ocean region spread to Europe and other continents. An estimated 5.6 billion people live in areas across 119 countries at risk from the virus, which can cause high fever, joint pain and long-term disability, Diana Rojas Alvarez, a medical officer at the WHO, told reporters in Geneva. "We are seeing history repeating itself," she said, drawing parallels to the 2004-2005 epidemic, which affected nearly half a million people, primarily in small island territories, before spreading around the world. The current surge began in early 2025, with major outbreaks in the same Indian Ocean islands which were previously hit, including La Reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius. An estimated one-third of La Reunion's population has already been infected, Rojas Alvarez said. The virus is now spreading to countries such as Madagascar, Somalia and Kenya, and has shown epidemic transmission in Southeast Asia, including India. Of particular concern is the increasing number of imported cases and recent local transmission within Europe. There have been approximately 800 imported chikungunya cases in continental France since May 1, Rojas Alvarez said. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Two found dead after fire in Toa Payoh flat Singapore Singaporeans aged 21 to 59 can claim $600 SG60 vouchers from July 22 Singapore Singaporeans continue to hold world's most powerful passport in latest ranking Singapore Singapore, Vietnam agree to step up defence ties, dialogue between leaders Asia Malaysia govt's reform pledge tested as DAP chief bows over unresolved 2009 death of political aide Tech Singapore to increase pool of early adopters in AI to complement data scientists, engineers Singapore Prosecution says judge who acquitted duo of bribing ex-LTA official had copied defence arguments Singapore Ports and planes: The 2 Singapore firms helping to keep the world moving Twelve local transmission episodes have been detected in several southern French regions, meaning individuals were infected by local mosquitoes without having travelled to endemic areas. A case was also detected last week in Italy. Chikungunya, for which there is no specific treatment and which is spread primarily by Aedes mosquito species, including the "tiger mosquito" which also transmits dengue, and Zika, can cause rapid and large outbreaks. As the mosquitoes bite in the daytime, prevention is key, through the use of insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing. REUTERS
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Pilot project to smoothen business registration process to kick off Aug 1 in Sibu, Kanowit
(Seated, from left) Sempurai, Tiang, Dr Sim, Hii, Loh and others pose with the thumbs-up gesture during a photo-call. SIBU (July 22): A pilot project to reform the process of starting up a business in Sarawak will be implemented effective this Aug 1, in the districts of Sibu and Kanowit, and will be running for six months. According to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, the project was spearheaded by the state government through the Sarawak Transformation and Innovation Unit in the Sarawak Premier's Department; Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government; and Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC). He said under the pilot project, all business registrations involving business name, trade licence and operating licence applications would be coordinated by one agency, namely the local authorities in Sibu and Kanowit, via one facilitation centre. 'Applicants will only need to fill in one composite form that captures all necessary information for business name registration, trade licence and operating licence applications. 'The pilot project targets a processing time from application to licence collection within 14 working days for low-risk businesses, while high-risk business applications such as sales of gas, entertainment centres, elderly or childcare centres and reflexology centres will be processed within 30 working days,' he said in a press conference here yesterday. Dr Sim added that for applications requiring only the business name and trade licence, the licence could be collected within five working days, while licences for those requiring an operating licence could be collected within 14 working days. 'This means applicants only need to visit the counter a maximum of two times. Studies show that licence processing time for business registration may take up to 60 days or more. 'Through this project, the processing time will be reduced from over 60 working days to only 14 or up to 30 working days.' Earlier, Dr Sim said business registration in Sarawak typically involves three main components depending on the type of business, namely the business name registration, trade licence and operating licence. These are governed by Chapter 64 of the Business Names Ordinance 1958, Chapter 33 of the Businesses, Professions and Trades Licensing Ordinance 1958, Local Authorities Ordinance 1996 and other various regulations and bylaws. 'At present, business registration in Sarawak involves various government departments and agencies such as Inland Revenue Board, District Offices, Divisional Treasury Department and Local Authorities. 'For instance, in Sibu District, the process involves the Sibu District Office, Sibu Divisional Treasury Department, and two local authorities namely the Sibu Municipal Council and Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC). 'On top of the agencies that I have mentioned, there is still approval from agencies that may be required, such as from the Fire and Rescue Department, Land and Survey Department and the Health Department. 'Due to this requirement, applicants are required to deal with multiple agencies at various locations, making the process inefficient and time-consuming. In addition, applicants are required to fill in multiple forms, depending on the business type and licenses applied for,' he said. According to the Deputy Premier, this effort was crucial to stimulate business activities in Sarawak and position the region as a more investor-friendly destination. 'Therefore, Sarawak must act swiftly to seize this opportunity by accelerating and streamlining the investment and business processes. This pilot project is a strategic step in that direction. 'We aim to ensure Sarawak remains competitive as an investment destination that offers administrative efficiency, process certainty, and strong governmental support to the business community. 'I urge all agencies involved to give their full commitment and support to ensure the success of this pilot project, which will serve as the foundation for statewide implementation across Sarawak,' he said. He added that under the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, the Sarawak government had been actively driving digitalisation initiatives for business registration to boost public confidence in transacting with the government via online platforms. 'Existing systems such as e-R&DO and e-LA2 will also be upgraded in the near term to support this digital initiative,' he said. Also present were Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak Datuk Michael Tiang, Deputy State Secretary Datu Hii Chang Kee, the ministry's permanent secretary Datu Elizabeth Loh and SRDC chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai. business registration Dr Sim Kui Hian lead start-up businesses
ILoveQatar.net
3 days ago
- Business
- ILoveQatar.net
Souq Waqif's Pakistani Mango Exhibition closes with record sales of over 228,000 kg
The second edition of the 'Hamba' Pakistani Mango and Products Exhibition concluded on Saturday, 19 July 2025, at Souq Waqif's Eastern Square. The event was organized by the Celebrations Organising Committee of the Private Engineering Office, in cooperation with the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Doha. The exhibition witnessed remarkable attendance and widespread praise for its organization and product quality. Over the course of 10 days, the exhibition attracted more than 101,200 visitors from various nationalities. Total mango sales reached an impressive 228,929 kilograms, surpassing last year's figure of 225,929 kilograms—underscoring the growing trust in the event and the excellence of the offerings. This year's edition featured a wide variety of Pakistani mangoes, specially imported from different regions across Pakistan, including Chaunsa, Anwar Ratol, Sindhri, and Dussehri. The mangoes were air-shipped daily to ensure top quality, freshness, and peak ripeness for visitors to enjoy. The event included participation from more than 60 Qatari companies and over 10 specialized Pakistani mango exporters, in addition to 25+ restaurants and food outlets offering creative dishes and traditional desserts made from mangoes—creating an immersive culinary and cultural experience that received enthusiastic response from attendees. The organizing committee provided a fully air-conditioned environment to preserve the quality of the mangoes and enhance the visitor experience, making the exhibition a standout destination throughout its duration. As part of the exhibition's health and safety measures, the organizers coordinated with the Ministry of Public Health to conduct routine laboratory testing on random mango samples. The results confirmed that all samples were free of pesticide residues or harmful substances and complied with approved food safety standards. Statement from Mr. Khalid Saif Al-Suwaidi, Exhibition General Supervisor: 'We are proud of the tremendous success of this year's Hamba Exhibition—both in terms of record-breaking sales and the incredible engagement from the public. We surpassed last year's figures, which clearly reflects the audience's satisfaction with the quality, organization, and overall experience.' He added: 'This year's key strength was the daily air-shipment of premium mangoes at the peak of their season, alongside a diverse participation of restaurants and companies from both Pakistan and Qatar. This combination created a rich experience that reflected authentic flavors and Pakistan's agricultural heritage.' 'We also placed great importance on product safety by conducting lab testing in coordination with the Ministry of Public Health. The analysis results confirmed the high quality and cleanliness of the mangoes, further strengthening public confidence in what we offered.' 'We extend our sincere thanks to all those who contributed to the success of this event—from our hardworking teams, supporters, and partners, to the thousands of visitors. We promise even more exciting and diverse events in the near future.' Here is a glimpse of this year's Pakistani Mango Exhibition! 🥭💛Just a few juicy reasons to visit the 2nd Pakistani Mango Festival at Souq Waqif! Tag your mango buddy and swing by! 📍 Eastern Square, Souq Waqif 🗓️ 10 - 19 July 🕓 Sunday - Thursday: 4 pm – 9 pm | Friday - Saturday: 4 pm - 10 pm 🎟️ Entry is free! Pakistani Mango… — ILoveQatar - Live (@ILQLive) July 10, 2025
Time Business News
4 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
GMP Certification Services for Tenders in Qatar
In Qatar's tightly regulated pharmaceutical, food, and healthcare industries, obtaining GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certification has become a strategic necessity—especially for businesses looking to secure government contracts. Whether supplying medicines to Hamad Medical Corporation, manufacturing packaged foods for schools, or producing cosmetics for hospital use, GMP compliance proves your company's dedication to safety, quality, and international best practices. Government institutions in Qatar—including those under the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH)—require that suppliers meet international safety and quality standards. GMP certification ensures that your production environment: Maintains hygienic facilities Follows documented procedures Ensures employee competence and training Tracks product batches for recall readiness Implements continuous quality control systems This reduces risk for public agencies and aligns with the Qatar National Vision 2030 commitment to high health and safety standards. GMP supports Qatar's broader goals for consumer protection, public health, and economic diversification. Companies that implement GMP are better equipped to meet regulations enforced by MoPH and international partners. This is especially critical in sectors supplying: Public healthcare and hospitals Government-run food programs Military and municipal supply chains By aligning with GMP standards, your business becomes a preferred vendor in Qatar's growing public sector. Pharmaceuticals – To qualify for MoPH registration and government tenders – To qualify for MoPH registration and government tenders Food and Beverage Manufacturing – Especially for institutional or export markets – Especially for institutional or export markets Cosmetics & Personal Care – For supplies to hotels, hospitals, and wellness centers – For supplies to hotels, hospitals, and wellness centers Medical Devices & Supplements – Subject to increased scrutiny under health regulations Improves Evaluation Scores – Many RFQs assign points to quality compliance and safety systems. Demonstrates Operational Maturity – GMP shows your business has predictable, traceable processes. Accelerates Government Approvals – Certified businesses face fewer technical clarifications. Builds Procurement Trust – Officials prefer working with vendors that proactively manage risk. To become GMP certified, companies typically follow these five stages: Gap Analysis – Evaluate compliance with GMP standards System Development – Create or update SOPs, sanitation procedures, and documentation Employee Training – Educate teams on hygiene, safety, and process control Internal Audit – Conduct a mock audit to identify areas of improvement Third-Party Certification – Undergo assessment by an accredited GMP certification body Working with a Qatar-based GMP consultancy ensures that documentation and practices meet local and international requirements, accelerating approval. Government procurement in Qatar emphasizes reliability, hygiene, and international standardization. GMP-certified companies are: Seen as low-risk, high-trust suppliers More likely to meet regulatory benchmarks Positioned to win tenders in healthcare, food, and industrial supply chains Aligned with sustainability and transparency goals of Vision 2030 In Qatar's public procurement system, GMP is no longer optional—it's a key to eligibility and long-term success. From compliance to competitiveness, GMP gives your company the edge it needs to secure government tenders and operate at global standards. Whether you're a food processor, pharmaceutical company, or cosmetic product manufacturer, GMP certification positions your business as a trusted partner for national development goals. If you're preparing to pursue tenders, we recommend exploring reliable GMP certification services in Qatar that offer local expertise, regulatory alignment, and full support from documentation to audit. Partnering with an experienced team can significantly streamline your certification journey and boost your tender success rate. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
