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India.com
6 days ago
- Health
- India.com
Why U.S. Funded Contraceptives Worth $10 Million Are Being Burned In France While Poor Nations Plead For Help
France Contraceptive Burning: In a warehouse in Belgium, crates of unused birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants – funded by American taxpayers and meant for women in the world's poorest countries – are being prepared for destruction. The supplies, worth nearly $10 million, are not expiring anytime soon. Some carry shelf lives until 2031. But they are still being burned, in France, at a cost of over $160,000. This wastage is the result of a deliberate choice by the U.S. government. After President Donald Trump ordered a shutdown of foreign assistance programmes of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in January, thousands of boxes of reproductive health supplies were stranded. Aid groups rushed in. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and reproductive health NGOs offered to take the contraceptives and send them where they were needed most – in sub-Saharan Africa, for instance, where these supplies are often the only thing preventing unsafe abortions. But Washington said no. Over and over. Offers Turned Down, Rights Sidelined Sarah Shaw, who works with MSI Reproductive Choices, said her organisation was ready to repackage and ship the supplies at no cost to U.S. taxpayers. They were even willing to follow U.S. rules, but they were told something shocking: the supplies would only be sold at full market price. 'This is not about money It feels more like an ideological assault on reproductive rights,' Shaw told Reuters. Aid groups warned of the human consequences of women denied access to basic contraceptive care, of lives destabilised by unwanted pregnancies and of a surge in dangerous abortion attempts. But the U.S. government refused to budge. The boxes remained untouched. And then came the decision: incinerate everything. Pressure, Politics and Fears of Abortion Links A source close to the talks said the Trump administration feared the supplies might end up with organisations linked to abortion services, something that could technically violate his funding rules. Stamped with the USAID logo, the packaging became another sticking point. The government simply did not want the risk, even if that risk was remote. In Brussels, Belgian officials tried to negotiate. They asked if the supplies could be redirected or handed off. 'Despite these efforts, and with full respect for our partners, no viable alternative could be secured. Sexual and reproductive health must not be subject to ideological constraints,' Belgium's foreign ministry said. But their plea fell on deaf ears. Too Little, Too Late Even in Washington, lawmakers tried to intervene albeit late. A few introduced legislation this month in a last-ditch effort to stop the destruction. But insiders admit it may already be too late. Reuters also obtained an internal USAID memo from April. It clearly recommended that the supplies be immediately handed over to another agency to avoid waste and added costs. That advice was ignored. So now, $10 million in birth control will go up in smoke. Not because it was faulty. Not because it was old. But because politics triumphed over people and ideology outweighed empathy.


Malaysia Sun
7 days ago
- Health
- Malaysia Sun
$10mn of USAID contraceptives to be burned in France media
The shipment destined for poor nations ended up stuck in Europe due to the shutdown of the agency A $10 million shipment of US-funded contraceptives will be incinerated in France, after Washington rejected offers to send the supplies to poorer nations, Reuters reported on Wednesday. The stockpile - made up of birth control pills and implants - has been stuck in Belgium since early 2025, when President Donald Trump shut down USAID and froze foreign aid programs. The supplies were originally meant for distribution in developing countries. A State Department spokesperson confirmed the destruction plan, saying the disposal will cost around $167,000 and take place at a medical waste facility in France. The contraceptives are being stored in the city of Geel and will require dozens of truckloads and at least two weeks to move, sources told Reuters. Belgian authorities have attempted to prevent the destruction of the supplies yet ultimately failed to do so, having exhausted "all possible options to prevent the destruction, including temporary relocation." "Despite these efforts, and with full respect for our partners, no viable alternative could be secured. Nevertheless, Belgium continues to actively seek solutions to avoid this regrettable outcome," the country's Foreign Ministry said in a statement, adding that "sexual and reproductive health must not be subject to ideological constraints." Human rights groups that attempted to buy the supplies from Washington have also suggested the impending destruction is being driven by "ideological" motives rather than a desire to cut costs. Sarah Shaw, Associate Director of Advocacy at MSI Reproductive Choices, told Reuters the NGO approached Washington with an offer to pay for repackaging of the supplies without USAID branding and for shipment to their destinations, but the proposal was declined. "MSI offered to pay for repackaging, shipping, and import duties, but they were not open to that... We were told that the US government would only sell the supplies at the full market value," said Shaw. "This is clearly not about saving money. It feels more like an ideological assault on reproductive rights, and one that is already harming women," she added. The UN sexual and reproductive health agency, UNFPA, also reportedly offered to buy the shipment. The talks ultimately broke down, partially due to a lack of response from the US government, a source with direct knowledge told Reuters. (

Leader Live
10-06-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
Terminally ill Wrexham toddler visited by Peppa Pig
Earlier this year, Callie Shaw was tragically diagnosed, aged just 10 months, with a rhabdoid tumour - a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer. She spent the next few months in Alder Hey to receive treatment. After undergoing four months of chemotherapy - things appeared to be going well and the tumour was shrinking in size. Callie Shaw and mum, Sarah (Image: Sarah Shaw) However, her family was given the devastating news last month following an MRI scan that Callie's cancer has spread to her lungs - and is now terminal. Callie was given a prognosis of four-six weeks. A GoFundMe page set up to support Callie's family at this very difficult time has raised over £7,000. With her first birthday spent during her time at Alder Hey, family and friends recently organised a party so she could celebrate properly. And on Monday (June 9), she received a surprise visit from Peppa Pig and Chase from Paw Petrol - her and her brother's favourite characters. (Image: Sarah Shaw) The visit was organised by Mold-based Blue Duo Events - which also donated 50 bags of candy floss for Callie's party. Blue Duo Events said on its Facebook page: "As a business, we felt there was more we could do – and this evening, we did just that. We surprised Callie with a visit from her two favourite characters, bringing smiles and joy to her and her family. One of our playful pups also joined in to surprise her little brother, making sure he felt just as special. (Image: Blue Duo Events) "Thank you, Sarah (Callie's mum) for allowing us to visit Callie at home and letting us be part of these precious moments. MORE NEWS: "The Blue Duo team are thinking of you all and sending love during this incredibly difficult time." Sarah Shaw said: "It was amazing to have Peppa Pig come and visit Callie. She absolutely adores Peppa Pig and it was really special. "I want to say a massive thank you to Blue Duo Events - you made memories that will last forever. It means so much to us."


BBC News
29-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Penzance aims to make town more pedestrian friendly
Penzance will spend some of the £21.5m awarded from central government on changing Market Jew Street with works starting in Town Fund (PTF) said it aimed to improve accessibility for pedestrians, people with reduced mobility, cyclists and public investments would include a climbing centre in a former supermarket and a street food hall in the town's historic Market House, it PTF boss said some people had complained "because everyone romanticises the past" and asked residents to "bear with us" while the changes were made. 'People hate change' Business owner and Business Improvement District (BID) manager Sarah Shaw works with the Penzance Town Fund and she said: "The ultimate goal is to have a user friendly, highly populated, busy thriving town of Penzance."There's certainly plenty of people grumbling about it but in fact Penzance has always been quite hostile to pedestrians."I think people romanticise the past - 'the old days were always better, the town was busier and we all took more money'."I think people hate change but we ask them to bear with us." Following a trial period the banning of cars in the town between 11:00 and 16:00 has been made permanent. Morgan Lewis who works at Ride on E-Bikes in the centre of the town said: "Local Facebook groups have plenty of moaning about it, but there will always be lovers and haters."We need to reinforce pedestrianisation and calm the traffic coming up and down Market Jew Street."I think it will help fill the empty shops with new businesses and bring more people into Penzance." There are three different projects to transform the town planned to take place between July this year through to early 2026 and these will be combined with upgrades to the gas and West Utilities programme controller Abby Smith said: "We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, which is why we're working collaboratively to agree the best way to get this important work done while causing the least disruption to the community."


Mid East Info
23-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Majra–National CSR Fund hosts new ‘Impact Lab' session, highlighting key climate action and sustainability advancements in UAE
MAJRA – National CSR Fund, in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), hosted an interactive session as part of its ongoing 'Impact Lab' initiative to explore notable developments within the domains of climate action and sustainability in the UAE. The event reflects Majra's long-standing vision to instil the values of social responsibility as well as environmental and social governance within the nation's private sector. The session, titled 'Smart Environments and Thriving Communities: Best Practices in Climate Resilience and Sustainability', convened thought leaders, innovators, and representatives from leading government and private institutions across critical sectors like agriculture, food, water systems, environmental technology, and climate innovation, among others. It served as a dynamic platform to exchange key insights on best practices for addressing climate change, environmental protection, promoting biodiversity, and driving sustainable development. During the session, H.E. Eng Amal Abdulrahim, Assistant Undersecretary for the Support Services Sector and CEO of AI and Innovation at MOCCAE, underscored the critical role of private-public partnerships and impactful policymaking in nurturing a prosperous future for all Emiratis. Her Excellency further stated: 'This strategic collaboration with Majra symbolises a critical milestone in the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment's ongoing efforts to achieve sustainable food and environmental security. Bolstered by the event's success, we look forward to forging similar partnerships and contributing to more such initiatives, which aim to preserve ecosystems and achieve sustainable development.' Sarah Shaw, CEO of Majra – National CSR Fund, highlighted Majra's ongoing efforts to drive sustainable development and support the implementation of ESG principles in the private sector, aligning with the 'Green Agenda 2030' vision, which aims to advance sustainable development goals. She also remarked : 'At Majra, we remain steadfast in our efforts to address various climate change challenges by developing green solutions and strategies that promote sustainability across priority sectors, in cooperation with the private sector. In line with this, we strive to strengthen cross-sectors collaboration within the nation. We also aim to launch highly targeted national priority initiatives which can usher in a qualitative shift in the way companies operate, expediting progress in the field of environmental sustainability.' The event featured several specialised roundtable discussions on four critical themes, including 'Environmental Governance and Compliance,' 'Sustainable Agriculture and Food Innovation,' 'Nature, Biodiversity, and Data,' and 'Community-Based Ecotourism'. Participants examined both the progress and challenges in these areas, showcased successful strategies, and identified key enablers and partnerships that have supported impactful outcomes. The goal was to foster a shared understanding of scalable initiatives that can strengthen climate resilience across communities in the UAE. Notable companies, such as Silal – UAE's leading Agri-Tech Food company, 4 Earth Intelligence (4EI), Khalifa University, Alpha Dhabi Holding, UAE Food and Beverage Manufacturers Group, Dnata, Camelicious – Emirates Camel Milk Factory, Sxill, Agthia Group, Novel Foods, DP World, Soma Mater, and the National Central Cooling Company PJSC – Tabreed, participated in these discussions. The 'Impact Lab' served as a dynamic platform for sharing expertise and aligning public and private sector efforts in climate action and sustainable development, further strengthening the UAE's leadership in environmental governance. It concluded with the development of a series of strategies, promoting effective communication between relevant stakeholders, achieving the shared vision for a safe community based on sustainability, diversity, and innovation.