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Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Vaccinations to prevent cervical cancer have plummeted in Britain
HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV) is an unwelcome consequence of a joyful pursuit. Skin-to-skin contact during sex allows the virus to spread, which can lead to genital warts and cancers of the reproductive system. In Britain HPV causes about 3,500 cases of cervical cancer each year and 900 deaths. A vaccination programme that inoculates against the virus—once a runaway success—is floundering. The HPV vaccine is given to children aged between 12 and 15 before they are typically sexually active. Take-up in girls was around 90% in the years up to 2017. Today the rate foryear-ninegirls is 74%, on a par with Sierra Leone. In boys, who have been offered the jab for five years, it has fallen by nine percentage points to 69%. In some areas, such as Luton and Leicester, less than half of children are vaccinated. Chart Vaccination rates have fallen in all of Britain's child-immunisation programmes, but the drop is sharpest for HPV. The evidence of the vaccine's efficacy is unequivocal: a study from Scotland in 2024 found no cases of cancer-causing HPV virus among women who received it a decade earlier. The National Health Service (NHS) wants to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040, but says it needs to achieve a 90% vaccination rate by 2030. To do so means tackling the three Cs of vaccine hesitancy: confidence, convenience and complacency. Confidence in vaccines was dented during the coronavirus pandemic. Surveys conducted by the Vaccine Confidence Project (VCP), a research outfit, find that the share of respondents who agreed that vaccines are 'safe' and 'important for children' declined sharply during the pandemic in many countries, but the drop was especially pronounced in Britain. New survey data from the VCP on vaccine attitudes in Britain, shared exclusively with The Economist, show that confidence in vaccines in general has since improved. Among a representative sample of adults, 85% agree that 'in general, vaccines are safe', 15 percentage points up on 2023. But when asked specifically about the safety of the HPV vaccine, that figure drops to 74%. Blame disinformation. Anti-vax parents allege that it causes ovarian failure and other issues. In 2019 Robert F. Kennedy junior, now America's health secretary, called it 'the most dangerous vaccine ever invented'. Numerous studies have found that its adverse effects are similar to, and no more frequent than, other common vaccines. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says that the rates of ovarian failure and other illnesses are no greater than would occur naturally in adolescent girls. Are today's schoolchildren affected by anti-vax views? Surveys of teenagers show that they know where to seek information they trust about vaccines: from their parents. Worryingly, the latest VCP survey shows that middle-aged people (ie, the parents of teenagers) are the least likely to say the HPV vaccine is safe. The HPV vaccine is administered in schools, but parents must sign a form to consent to their child being inoculated. The UKHSA says that many go unsigned, not because a parent actively objects but because of a lack of convenience. It wants to tackle this by allowing children to self-consent if the nurse giving the vaccine believes that they are mature enough—though only one in five teenagers say they alone should decide whether to get vaccinated, rising to one in three by age 16. Some parents worry that vaccination might affect their child's behaviour. Dr Tehseen Khan, a GP in the London borough of Hackney, says Orthodox Jews he works with believe the vaccine is unnecessary because their children will have only one life-long partner. Although there is no evidence that having the vaccine changes sexual behaviour, some parents fear that it promotes promiscuity. In Scotland, which (unlike England) publishes data by ethnicity, Pakistani and Polish children have the lowest HPV vaccination rates; white British and Chinese the highest. Complacency may also lead children and parents to wonder why the vaccine is necessary. Helen Bedford of University College London says parents often ask: 'Why do I need to get my child who is not yet sexually active vaccinated against something which may or may not happen to them in 20 or 30 years time?' Vaccination programmes are often victims of their own success, making cervical cancer less common and parents less worried about it. The NHS recently launched a catch-up campaign, targeting some 400,000 women aged under 25 who did not get inoculated in school. Whether they will get a jab may not be down to the facts. Margaret Stanley at the University of Cambridge, whose research helped develop the HPV vaccine, says at this stage you should 'forget the science, it's all about the marketing.' For more expert analysis of the biggest stories inBritain,sign upto Blighty, our weekly subscriber-only newsletter.
The Diplomat
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Diplomat
Reflecting on the Vietnam Communist Party's Soliloquy to the Private Sector
If Resolution 68 is to be believed, state-owned enterprises are about to lose what remains of their special privileges. In early May, the Politburo of the Vietnam Communist Party (VCP) issued a new resolution on private sector development. It was one of four resolutions issued by the Hanoi leadership that General Secretary To Lam has billed as pillars intended to help the country advance. For those desiring a new wave of reforms that can unlock Vietnam's next economic growth phase, Resolution 68 was heralded as an important policy document, and even a 'new dawn.' It goes further than the VCP has previously gone to recognize the key role of the private sector in Vietnam's economic growth trajectory, some have argued. One local law firm told clients that Resolution 68 '…marks a turning point: the private sector is no longer seen as a supporting actor – it is now positioned as a core driver of Vietnam's socialist-oriented market economy.' Another local law firm said the resolution '… marks a significant shift in mindset, positioning the private sector not just as a supplement to the public sector, but as a vital component of the country's overall economic structure.' To be clear, the document was issued by the VCP, and not by a state body per se. However, the government apparatus – supported by various VCP-affiliated organizations – is now tasked with turning the spirit of the resolution, couched in the slightly hyperbolic and yet leaden Hanoi-speak of the VCP, into tangible actions that bring about impactful results. Given that various arms of the government have been working to catalyze and nurture the private sector in Vietnam for well over three decades, albeit with mixed success, why did the VCP feel the need to issue such a resolution, and to whom is it addressed? Some might argue that it is part of Vietnam's bid to convince the U.S. Department of Commerce that Vietnam is indeed a market economy at a time when the issues of trade and tariffs are at the top of the economic agenda. As recently as August 2024, Washington re-confirmed that it deems Vietnam to be a non-market economy (a status currently held by just a dozen countries), which has ramifications for the way the U.S. assesses duties on Vietnamese exports and any accusations of dumping. The Commerce Department noted that, despite recent reform efforts, the government's 'extensive involvement' in the economy 'distorts Vietnamese prices and costs.' It is certainly true that the Vietnamese government's direct ownership of numerous state-owned enterprises and its degree of control over a raft of business resources are legacy issues of Vietnam's pre-1990s command economy past. It is also true that until now, the most commercially successful element of the private sector has been the foreign-invested part of it (albeit with a few exceptions that prove the rule). The degree of success Vietnam has had over the last 40 years in attracting foreign direct investment has not been mirrored in developing a more home-grown, non-state-owned sector. State-owned enterprises (and the government that owns them) have been partly to blame, by crowding out private sector rivals in some sectors, but they are by no means the only culprits. It is widely recognized that the enabling environment for private companies to flourish and attain the economies of scale necessary to compete effectively has not been wholly conducive; more like passive-aggressive. If Resolution 68 is to be believed, state-owned enterprises are about to lose what remains of their special privileges. Nonetheless, old habits die hard. In an echo of the command economy days, the resolution sets various aspirational targets for private sector development by 2030, such as doubling the number of private sector firms, having 20 such firms for every 1,000 citizens, its contribution to GDP and the labor force… the list goes on. The leadership's somewhat romantic fondness for small and medium-sized enterprises persists, even though what Vietnam really needs is a cadre of large private sector firms that can take on state-owned enterprises and foreign-invested firms at their own game, rather than having to negotiate a route around them. The biggest gift that Hanoi's leadership could give the private sector would be to release it of such arbitrary goals, and grant it the independence to get on and be commercially successful by focusing on and leveraging the capabilities and expertise that lie within many Vietnamese firms. If the party now loves the private sector, then let it go. This year is expected to see Vietnam refresh its national Constitution, something that the country does every decade or so. Understandably, most attention is on governance aspects of the constitution, particularly in the light of changes being made at the national and provincial levels of government. But there may also be some changes in those parts that pertain to the economy, as the mindset changes entailed in Resolution 68 begin to sit uncomfortably with some articles in the constitution. For example, Article 51 of the Constitution declares that the 'Vietnamese economy is a socialist-oriented market economy with multi-forms of ownership and multi-sectors of economic structure; the state economic sector plays the leading role.' In some ways, Resolution 68 has the feel of a soliloquy to the private sector, by the VCP, as if seeking to convince itself, as much as anyone else, whether domestic or foreign, that Vietnam's future economic prospects will be a function of successful private sector development. Given the recent spate of high-profile scandals in the corporate and banking sectors, maybe Hanoi feels a need to renew its vows to the market economy, however 'socialist-oriented.' As to whether Resolution 68 will be sufficient to convince the U.S. administration that today's Vietnam is indeed a market economy, it is conceivable that Washington will be looking to see what changes are made to the wording of the Constitution, including references in Article 4 to the VCP employing 'Marxist-Leninist doctrine and Ho Chi Minh's thought.'
Cision Canada
16-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Velocity Trade, in partnership with DeltaCap Partners Inc., establishes Velocity Capital Partners to deepen presence in Investment Banking and Equity Capital Markets
Industry veterans Mike Demeter and Niall Glynn join Velocity Capital Partners TORONTO, June 16, 2025 /CNW/ - Velocity Trade Capital Ltd. ("Velocity Trade" or "VTC"), a TMX member and the Canadian regulated subsidiary of Velocity Trade Holdings Ltd. ("VTH"), a leading global diversified financial services firm, is pleased to announce the formation of a new platform, Velocity Capital Partners ("VCP"), for the purposes of gaining an enhanced global presence in Investment Banking and Equity Capital Markets. Two seasoned and well-known capital markets executives, Mike Demeter and Niall Glynn, have recently joined VCP. Mike Demeter has joined VCP as Managing Partner and Head of Institutional Sales. Niall Glynn has joined VCP as Partner, Institutional Sales. VCP's objectives are complementary to Velocity Trade's existing research business, as well as its global equity, foreign exchange, futures and physical commodity trading franchises. With over 1,500 institutional and corporate clients globally, Velocity has offices in Canada (Toronto, Montreal, Calgary), Caribbean (Bridgetown), UK (London), Europe (Amsterdam), Africa (Cape Town and Johannesburg), Middle East (Dubai), Southeast Asia (Singapore) and Australia and Oceania (Sydney and Auckland). Based in Canada, VCP's focus will be on resource verticals, namely Energy and Mining. Its mission is (1) to deliver premium, proprietary investment opportunities in partnership with DeltaCap Partners Inc. ("DeltaCap") and (2) to leverage unique, local, and global access to institutional investors to deliver differentiated and diversified opportunities for capital formation. VCP will utilize Velocity's international footprint and regulatory framework to expand its capabilities and to provide corporate clients with comprehensive access to both domestic and international institutional capital. In addition, VCP will have access to the US expertise of Wedbush Securities Inc, an affiliate of Wedbush Financial Services, and VTH's largest shareholder. VCP's partnership with DeltaCap, a resource-focused merchant bank, further enables delivery of its ambitious and rapid growth objectives. "The principals at DeltaCap and Mike Demeter have been known to the Velocity team for many years. Long ago, we identified that their exceptional talent, deep relationships, and strong reputations would marry well with both our Canadian and global platforms. We are thrilled to partner with DeltaCap, to have Mike and Niall join our team and to launch VCP. This is the first step towards our goal of building a global Capital Markets boutique that will complement our global equity, forex and commodity trading platforms," said Simon Grayson, CEO of Velocity Trade. Mike Demeter added, "In partnering with DeltaCap and by leveraging Velocity Trade's market expertise and trading platforms alongside our teams' skills and experience, we will solve for an inherent and acute need for capital for resource companies through the delivery of access to unique pools of capital. Together, with DeltaCap, we will continue to build on our histories of growth and profitability, while maintaining focus on delivering exceptional value to our corporate and institutional investor clients." About Velocity Through its global network of wholly owned regulated and registered subsidiary companies, Velocity provides corporate and institutional clients competitive execution and custody services in a multitude of global over-the-counter (OTC) and exchange listed markets. Velocity offers services in a broad range of markets, including: (i) foreign exchange hedging, trading, settlement and prime of prime; (ii) global equity, fixed income, funds, structured products; and (iii) corporate finance and advisory. Velocity has offices in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, London, Amsterdam, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Bridgetown, Sydney, Singapore, Dubai and Auckland. About DeltaCap Partners Inc. DeltaCap Partners Inc. ("DeltaCap") is a merchant bank based in Toronto, Canada. DeltaCap has two practices: proprietary investments and advisory services. Leveraging over 50 years of collective experience in capital markets and corporate finance as well as a deep and broad network of innovative founders and senior professionals in capital markets, corporate finance, venture capital and private equity, DeltaCap is positioned in the centre of highly unique and exclusive deal-flow. Investing its own capital, its mission is to generate and to develop exceptional risk-adjusted returns by partnering capital and advisory services with innovative founders and world-class assets. About Wedbush Financial Services Wedbush Financial Services is a diversified financial services holding company. Its primary subsidiary, Wedbush Securities, which was founded in 1955, has been a leader in the financial services industry, providing its clients, both private and institutional clients, with a wide range of securities brokerage and processing, wealth management, and investment banking services. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California with over 100 registered offices and nearly 900 colleagues, the firm focuses on bespoke client service and the utilization of advanced technology.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Biking 4,000 miles to help homeless veterans
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – Gage Matzen is on a 4,228-mile mission across America. 'I've always loved big adventures that are physically tough,' Matzen said. The Tea, South Dakota native is biking the TransAmerica Trail, which begins in Yorktown, Virginia. He set off in early May, and he hopes to reach his final destination in Astoria, Oregon in early August. Air quality alert issued for South Dakota due to wildfire smoke 'I'm making good progress, I think. The days should pick up with mileage as well as the trip has been going on. A couple days ago, we did 80 and then another 70 miles after that,' Matzen said. The reason he's biking across the country is to raise money to help those who have served. Last summer, Matzen volunteered for a day at the Veterans Community Project of Sioux Falls. 'At my last job in Sioux Falls, we did a volunteer opportunity at VCP and had the opportunity to go out, build some frames, some walls, and the houses and hear some testimonials,' Matzen said. 'It just kind of struck home for me.' From support services to a home of their own, the nonprofit provides veterans with resources to help them get back on their feet. To Matzen, this was eye-opening. 'Just hearing those stories really solidifies how awesome that organization is and why I want to help raise money for it,' Matzen said. So, as any other 'aspiring TransAmerica Trail rider' would do, he told the staff in Sioux Falls his plan and began preparing for his ride across the country. 'He had expressed sort of a bucket list thing to bike across the country. What he told Kaelyn, who he's been working with, is he wanted to do this for somebody else. He wouldn't quit,' Veterans Community Project of Sioux Falls executive director John Holter said. 'He was motivated by helping someone else.' With no government funding, the Veterans Community Project relies on donations and volunteers. Right now, the organization is adding another row of homes to the Sioux Falls village to help more veterans get a fresh start. 'Paying the light bill, helping finish out building the village- all that money goes to helping house homeless veterans,' Holter said. Helping others is a big part of Matzen's goal, but it's also about pushing himself. Sioux Falls street closures start Monday 'A couple of years ago, I was involved in a drunk driving accident. We were hit head-on on a highway, and thankfully, myself and my passengers were okay, but my ankle was put into a pilon fracture and shattered,' Matzen said. 'I spent a good year and a half or two years in and out of surgeries and recovery.' Now, back on his feet, Matzen is biking not only to challenge himself, but to inspire others. The trek across America is no small feat, and it requires plenty of rest days, resilience and even the kindness of strangers. 'I've been approached by so many people. 'Are you biking across? Are you doing the TransAmerica Trail?' And they try to buy you dinner,' Matzen said. 'I had a lady come up to me at the gas station as I was riding my bike while I was eating a snack. She said, 'Do you have a place to stay tonight?' She's like 'I'm always looking for cyclists and we love hosting. You guys are so much fun.'' It wasn't long before Matzen realized he wasn't alone on this mission. What started as a solo ride to help veterans has grown into a shared journey with cyclists from around the world. 'Along the way, I've met at least ten other cyclists doing this, and now I'm actually rolling with three guys: one from California, a guy from London, U.K., and a guy from West Virginia. So, we've been rolling together, and then we actually met two other gals from the Netherlands,' Matzen said. 'We rode with them for a few days, and the whole last week has flown by because we've been hanging out and riding together.' Each biker has their own story, their own goals, and their own reason to keep moving forward. For Matzen, it means pedaling across the same country that so many have fought to protect. You can follow along with Matzen's journey, and you can also donate to help him reach his fundraising goal and support veterans in Sioux Falls. The new Miss South Dakota has been crowned Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hindu
22-04-2025
- The Hindu
Vahana Mela: 320 seized vehicles returned to owners in Visakhapatnam
In the 'Vahana Mela' special drive held here on Tuesday, the Visakhapatnam City Police (VCP) returned 320 seized vehicles, including motorbikes and auto-rickshaws, to their rightful owners, following the procedures outlined by the Union Home Ministry. While in the first mela held on February 19, 2025, the police returned 152 vehicles to the owners, in the second mela held on Tuesday, April 22, 320 vehicles, including 272 vehicles (seized by the traffic department), 37 vehicles (seized in crime cases), and 11 vehicles seized by law & order were returned. Speaking to media persons on the occasion, Commissioner Shanka Brata Bagchi said that vehicles seized by the police in criminal and traffic-related cases often remain unclaimed for years due to various legal or procedural hurdles faced by the owners. As a result, many vehicles become useless over time, lose their value and become junk. To address this issue, they have started this `Vahana Mela' to hand over such vehicles without any financial burden on the owners. 'We have followed the procedures outlined by the Union Home Ministry to ensure smooth implementation. We have obtained the address details of the vehicle owners from RTO records and police station files, and have even constituted a special task force to identify and contact the owners,' Mr. Bagchi added.
