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  • Prevalence and determinants of zoonotic malaria in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) and Malaysia: systematic review and meta-analysis | Malaria Journal

    Prevalence and determinants of zoonotic malaria in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) and Malaysia: systematic review and meta-analysis | Malaria Journal

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  • KSRelief launches 3rd cycle of food security support project in Pakistan – RADIO PAKISTAN

    1. KSRelief launches 3rd cycle of food security support project in Pakistan  RADIO PAKISTAN
    2. Saudi envoy launches food aid drive, reaffirms Kingdom’s unwavering support for Pakistan  Associated Press of Pakistan
    3. KSrelief launches third cycle of food security support project in Pakistan  Associated Press of Pakistan

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  • Initial community response to a novel spatial repellent for malaria prevention in Busia County, Kenya | Malaria Journal

    Initial community response to a novel spatial repellent for malaria prevention in Busia County, Kenya | Malaria Journal

    A total of 60 interviews were completed during the first two rounds of data collection, covering 30 households in each round. The participants included 16 women and 14 men. The mean age of the participants was 49 years (range 35–65), with women averaging 44 years (range 35–55) and men 55 years (range 45–65).

    In addition to commenting on perceived efficacy, perceived reduction in malaria cases, and side effects, participants compared the perceived performance of SR with other mosquito control methods they commonly used such as bednets, mosquito coils and burning leaves. The participants also discussed their communication with others about the product and suggested future improvements.

    Perceived efficacy and early acceptability

    In interviews conducted one week after initial installation, most participants reported that they noticed a reduction in mosquito density and attributed this reduction to the SR’s dawa [the power or strength of the insecticide]. Those who observed mosquitoes in the house reported that they appeared sluggish, biting and flying less aggressively than they did in the past.

    “Generally, since you installed these products inside here, I have seen the mosquito population completely reduced. I can say by 99%. Previously, approximately around 7:00 p.m. while seated here [pointing at the sofa set], we would be bitten by mosquitos until when we went to sleep at 9:00 pm. Now, after the installation of the SR, the few mosquitos we see seem sluggish, often flying slowly, and even falling on their own. Additionally, since the installation, I haven’t heard any child complaining about feeling sick.” (Male, age 39, 1-week post-installation).

    In the second interview, 2 months after the initial installation, some participants reported that mosquitoes had returned. They attributed this return to the belief that replacement SRs had less dawa than the initial product and lost their effectiveness after 2–3 weeks.

    “How come we are now seeing signs of mosquitos, yet we were praising this product? We are requesting they improve in putting a lot of repellent so that mosquitos do not appear and later disappear. I want, if the product has been installed to repel mosquitos, let it repel mosquitos.” (Male, age 41, 2-month post-installation).

    Some participants also mentioned seasonality, suggesting that the increase in mosquito frequency coincided with millet flowering or the decrease in recent hot weather. One proposed that installing the product during a peak mosquito season could have offered a clearer assessment of its effectiveness.

    While most of the comments focused on mosquito density, some respondents added that fewer family members, particularly children, were falling ill with malaria.

    “Since these products were installed in our houses, I have noticed that the number of mosquitos have decreased, and the level of malaria has also decreased. Because before installation, my youngest child had malaria every month, she used to be admitted to the ward. However, since these products were installed, she has never has never been sick.” (Female, age 28, 2-month post-installation).

    In addition to reporting perceived reductions in mosquitoes and malaria symptoms, many participants expressed satisfaction with the SR. They described it as convenient, easy to use, and preferable to other mosquito control tools like nets or coils. These early expressions of acceptance suggest a positive initial reception of the product.

    Comparison of SRs to other mosquito control products

    The participants reported using other products and practices to keep away mosquitoes, including ITNs, mosquito coils, mosquito mats, and burning leaves to produce smoke that repels mosquitoes.

    When asked to compare the SR to other products, respondents cited various factors including the place of protection, the cost, the product’s perceived effectiveness, and the feasibility of installation. Some mentioned that ITNs only protected them while they were sleeping whereas the SRs also offered protection when they were awake. Others reported that SRs obviated the need for ITNs.

    “I can say that the SR is better than a net because a net is only used when you go to sleep. You only protect yourself with it during sleep. But with the SR, you can be protected while sitting in the evening. Mosquitoes won’t bother me because of the SR. However, with a net, you must wait until you go to sleep at 10:00 p.m to be protected.” (Female, age 32, 1-week post-installation).

    “Because they have installed a product for me that repels mosquitos, I do not see the need to struggle hanging the net because it brings heat. You know during dry season like this there is a lot of heat. There is no need to interfere with the product that repels mosquitos, why not sleep comfortably?” (Male, age 41, 2-month post-installation).

    The respondents also stated that the SR was less labour-intensive than an ITN and that ITNs could tear, make their living spaces hotter, and cause irritation for those who came into direct contact with them.

    “It’s our first time to use spatial repellant, and we are still observing the effects. But within this short time, I see it’s effective and it’s chasing away the mosquitoes even while inside the net, the treated net may lose its effectiveness with time, then the mosquitoes just gain access to you.” (Male, age 63, 1-week post-installation).

    Some added that SRs improved household finances since the study provided them at no cost.

    “The spatial repellent is good because since they were installed in my house, I do not use any money by going to buy other mosquito repellents. But when I did not have [SR], mosquito coils used to cost me money. When you budget for supper, you must put the mosquito coil budget there too.” (Female, age 28, 1-week post-installation).

    Perceived side effects

    While most respondents reported no side effects within their own households, some mentioned observing effects on non-target organisms, including insects such as cockroaches and small animals. One participant described seeing cockroaches that appeared weakened or dead after installation of the SR:

    “What I have experienced with the cockroaches in this house, you find them moving and are weak and some are even dead and others are unconscious there. They are not moving as they used to before and hiding in private places. Currently this product is also affecting them too.” (Female, age 38, 2-month post installation).

    “Many viewed these effects as an additional benefit of SRs. Some, however, cited conversations in which a neighbor had mentioned side effects such as children sneezing when they got too close to the product or skin irritation experienced by one participant’s husband after touching it. Others expressed uncertainty about whether the effects experienced since installation were directly caused by the SR or by other factors. As a precaution, some participants reported keeping children at a distance from the product to avoid potential adverse effects. Those ‘Ikee’ [Ateso word for medicine or active ingredient, referring to the SR] you are not supposed to get close. At times when you are putting things in order, you need to keep distance from the ‘Ikee’ because we were advised that way. There was a time when my brother’s child who stays here, he got closer to the ‘Ikee’, he started sneezing and I told him that he is not allowed to be close.” (Female, age 41, 2-month post installation).

    Suggestions for future improvement

    At the first TIPs visit, the participants suggested few improvements to the SR, possibly due to their limited experience. Subsequently informants suggested changes in size, shape, colour, smell, installation method, and replacement frequency. A participant suggested alternating the SR’s colour with each replacement not due to aesthetic preference, but to make it easier to recognize whether the product has been changed especially when residents were away during installation.

    Other mentioned that white was best because it was visible and matched house décor, while a few said colour did not matter as long as the product worked. Regarding shape and size, some participants suggested enlarging SRs could reduce the number of units required per household. They said they liked that the product was odourless and its general appearance but recommended extending installations to areas such as bathrooms, latrines, and schools where mosquito encounters were common, particularly during the early morning.

    “Then secondly, there are those places these products were not installed. Places like the toilet. If you can find those, then you install. You know you go there anytime, it is dark, and you get bitten. Then again, within here in our home, children study in school. Our children always leave early. Exactly by 6:00 a.m. they are in class. They can get bitten by mosquitoes while there. If it is possible, they should take [SRs] to schools too.” (Male, 39, 2-month post-installation).

    The participants expressed concerns about the product falling off the wall when installed with tape, which led one family to rehang a fallen product with a nail. They stated their preference for hooks, which kept SRs more securely attached to the wall (Figs. 2 and 3). Some suggested offering a range of colours (black, white, green, blue, khaki) for the products, with one linking a dark colour to attracting mosquitoes.

    “The majority expressed a preference for an odorless product, considering allergies, but a few suggested that some scent was necessary for effective mosquito repellency. A recurring recommendation was to increase the amount or concentration of repellent, with diverse opinions on replacement intervals. Some participants suggested a switch to biodegradable materials to address the environmental concerns associated with plastic sheets.Another one is, we were also saying, they should try and look for a product that is friendly to the environment apart from these papers. At least, even if the project ends and they left the products for us they have not come to collect. At least it should be a material that when you throw, it rots faster.” (Male, age 39, 2-month post installation).

    Fig. 2

    Family rehung fallen taped product with nail

    Fig. 3
    figure 3

    Installation of the MosquitoShield™ with hooks

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  • Long neglected on dusty shelves in Corsican bars, Cap Corse is now looking to make an international comeback

    Long neglected on dusty shelves in Corsican bars, Cap Corse is now looking to make an international comeback

    After a period of decline, the island’s once-iconic apéritif is experiencing a notable resurgence by looking to the past.

    In Jacques Deray’s 1974 film Borsalino & Cie, Alain Delon, the epitome of French cool in his hat and double-breasted suit, takes revenge on his enemies in glamorous locales, where dapper card sharks enjoy generous pours of ruby-red Cap Corse. After decades confined to the dusty shelves of old-fashioned bars on Napoleon’s native island, this Corsican liqueur is spritzing its way back to prominence.

    Cap Corse, which comes in white and red variants, is a wine-based drink infused with tree bark, citrus fruit and herbs. LN Mattei, the company that distils it, was founded in the early 1870s. The tipple reached the peak of its popularity during the early 20th century. In the decades after the Second World War, however, it steadily lost its lustre, becoming a drink that mostly appealed to older Corsicans who remembered its glory days. 

    Monocle magazine, Mattei / Bastia / Corse 06-2025
    Inside the shop

    In 2016, Corsica’s Groupe Boisson Corse acquired LN Mattei and kick-started a new era of expansion. It has gone from producing 80,000 bottles, sold almost exclusively in Corsica, to making 400,000 bottles today, 15 per cent of which are exported.

    “Over time, Cap Corse had evolved to emphasise the bitterness of cinchona bark,” says Patrice Gontier Ackermann, LN Mattei’s general manager. “To appeal to a broader audience, we revived the original recipe of our founder, Louis Napoléon Mattei, which balances sweetness and bitterness.” This change was informed by the tastes of the current golden age of mixology but also by the rise of the Aperol spritz, which, in less than a decade, has gone from a Venetian aperitivo to a global phenomenon. (Aperol is now the most valuable brand in the Campari group’s European portfolio.) “We recognised that offering a quirky Corsican alternative had significant potential,” says Gontier Ackermann.

    Front of Mattei’s historic flagship shop
    Mattei’s historic flagship shop
    Mattei branding on poster
    Heritage branding

    The “Capo Spritz” is now served in bars across the island in large LN Mattei-branded glasses that will look familiar to Aperol fans. Expect to see these gracing a Mediterranean bar this summer. With just 350,000 or so permanent residents in Corsica and near-universal brand recognition on the island, LN Mattei needs to lean hard on exports for future growth. By 2030 it plans to double production to 800,000 bottles, with half sold outside Corsica.

    Cap Corse’s resurgence mirrors the island’s rise as a destination, increasingly attracting tourists from beyond France. The number of foreign visitors was up by 6 per cent last year, hitting an all-time high. LN Mattei’s shop in Bastia’s Place Saint Nicolas is an especially strong asset. Established by the company’s founder in 1872, it’s an officially recognised historical landmark. The shop, known for its dark-red open cabinets and exposed stone walls, stocks a wide array of Corsican products alongside the booze.

    An alcohol-free version of the apéritif is currently in the works. “That could become an important market for us in the years to come,” says Gontier Ackermann. After long being overlooked, Cap Corse is seeking to shake things up. “If we don’t keep moving, we could disappear.”

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  • Gold poised for weekly gain on dollar weakness, safe-haven demand – Reuters

    1. Gold poised for weekly gain on dollar weakness, safe-haven demand  Reuters
    2. Gold price remains on track to register gains for the first time in three weeks  FXStreet
    3. Gold (XAUUSD) Price Forecast: Gold Market Eyes Breakout on Dollar Dip, Tariff Fears  FXEmpire
    4. Gold heads for weekly gain as US tax-cut bill stokes fiscal worries  Dunya News
    5. Gold falls as strong US payrolls data douses rate cut hopes  Business Recorder

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  • No evidence of stolen data in Glasgow cyber attack

    No evidence of stolen data in Glasgow cyber attack

    Glasgow City Council has found no evidence of any data being stolen in a cyber attack that took a number of services offline in June.

    The local authority also says there has been no sign of any data being leaked or misused after the incident, but advised people to remain cautious.

    Technology services supplier CGI discovered malicious activity on servers managed by a third-party supplier on 19 June.

    A number of online services, including paying penalty charges and reporting school absences, became unavailable due to the council taking servers offline.

    No financial systems were affected by the attack and no details of bank accounts or credit/debit cards processed by those systems were compromised.

    A spokesperson for the council said: “As part of our investigation, experts are monitoring online activity and, to date, there has been no evidence of any data being leaked or misused.

    “However, until forensic examinations of the affected servers are complete – and we can be confident whether any data has been stolen – we are advising anyone who has used any of the affected forms to be particularly cautious about contact claiming to be from Glasgow City Council.”

    Some services, such as public freedom of information requests, can be accessed again while workarounds are being developed for other affected systems.

    Police Scotland are involved in investigating the incident, along with the council, the Scottish Cyber Co-ordination Centre and the National Cyber Security Centre.

    A number of Scottish public bodies have been hit by cyber attacks in recent months, including a ransomware group targeting NHS Dumfries and Galloway last year which saw stolen files published online.

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  • NIS2 revamps Ireland’s cybersecurity landscape: Old regulators, new powers

    The NIS2 Directive has significantly reshaped the cybersecurity landscape across the EU. Since the implementation deadline in October 2024, EU Member States have been working to incorporate new standards into their national laws, fostering a dynamic and rapidly evolving regulatory environment. Recently, Ireland’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) published the draft NIS2 Risk Management Measures (RMM) Guidance, which outlines the minimum requirements for essential and important entities.  Ireland has also joined the Cyber Fundamentals Framework (CyFun), originally developed in Belgium, as a scheme co-owner. The CyFun framework offers a structured, risk-based methodology for essential and important entities, assisting them in organising and demonstrating their NIS2 security measures.

    While Ireland has not yet implemented the NIS2 Directive, the legislative process is now at an advanced stage, with the NCSC expecting the National Cyber Security Bill to be transposed into law by the end of the year. As implementation is steadily advancing, it is important to consider how it will impact businesses operating in and through Ireland.

    NIS2’s overall goal is to achieve a high common level of cybersecurity across the EU. Part of this approach requires Member States to establish one or more Competent Authorities responsible for cybersecurity and enforcement. To ensure smooth cross border compliance, a Single Point of Contact on cybersecurity responsible for liaising with other Member States is also required.

     

    Ireland’s NIS2 Strategy: NCSC as Central Liaison with Sectoral Oversight

    Interestingly, Ireland’s proposed implementing legislation takes a different approach to what is outlined in the NIS2 Directive. The NCSC will serve as the Single Point of Contact and act as the Lead Competent Authority, providing advice, guidance, and support to a range of Competent Authorities, each of which will oversee enforcement within their respective sectors. This approach contrasts with Belgium and France for example, where the Centre for Cyber Security Belgium (CCB) and the French Cyber Security Agency (ANSSI) serve as the central authority for all cybersecurity matters. Ireland’s NCSC will act as an overseer. An explanatory note in the Heads of Bill acknowledges that this role does not exist within the NIS2 Directive and “was taken as a policy decision after engagement with the other competent authorities in agreement with the NCSC”.

     

    Regulator Overview

    Article 8 of the NIS2 Directive mandates the designation of Competent Authorities, providing for robust oversight and enforcement. Article 27 requires businesses within the scope of the NIS2 Directive to register with these authorities, ensuring compliance and accountability. The full list of National Competent Authorities along with their designated sectors, as set out in head 17 of the draft Bill is as follows:

     

    NIS2 Regulatory and Oversight Bodies in Ireland
    Sectors
    Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU)
    • Energy
    • Drinking Water
    • Wastewater
    Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg)
    • Digital Infrastructure
    • ICT Service Management
    • Digital Providers
    • Space
    Central Bank of Ireland (CBI)
    Irish Aviation Authority (IAA)
    Commission for Rail Regulation (CRR)
    The Minister for Transport
    National Transport Authority (NTA)
    Agencies under the remit of the Minister for Health
    National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)
    • All other sectors set out in Schedule I and II
     
    Main Establishment & Considerations for Digital Service Providers

    The main establishment provision within the NIS2 Directive aims to reduce jurisdictional conflicts and regulatory overlap in the digital services space by creating a ‘one-stop-shop’ for incident reporting obligations. The main benefit derived from these provisions is that entities can report incidents to a single Member State rather than multiple jurisdictions, streamlining compliance and reducing the reporting burden for entities in the midst of large-scale cyber incidents.

    Digital Service Providers looking to avail of the main establishment concept within the NIS2 Directive should note that the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) will be responsible for this sector in Ireland. ComReg has been noticeably proactive in issuing guidance and developing resources in relation to the NIS2 Directive, indicating that it is preparing to play a significant role in enforcement – this will be welcomed by many businesses, given Ireland’s considerable importance as the European or EMEA headquarters for many of the world’s major tech companies.

    Established in 2002, ComReg is a mature, well-resourced statutory body which is responsible for regulating electronic communications and the postal sector in Ireland. ComReg has been instrumental in ensuring compliance throughout the most critical sectors in the Irish economy. Until recently, ComReg was under the leadership of Helen Dixon, who formerly led the Data Protection Commission and was instrumental in its transformation from a small, regionally based office to one of the world’s most influential data protection regulators.

     

    Conclusion

    As Ireland moves closer to full implementation of the NIS2 Directive, we are embracing a distinctive regulatory model that balances central coordination with sector-specific oversight. The NCSC’s role as both the Single Point of Contact and Lead Competent Authority reflects a pragmatic approach tailored to Ireland’s regulatory landscape. With the publication of the draft RMM Guidance and Ireland’s co-ownership of the CyFun framework, the groundwork is being laid for a more structured and resilient cybersecurity regime.

    Proactive engagement with sectoral regulators, especially ComReg for digital services, will be essential to ensure compliance and to leverage the benefits of streamlined reporting and guidance. Digital services providers can expect a well-resourced, tough but fair regulator capable of engaging with both multinational and national businesses. Some digital services providers may be classified as highly critical and subject to stricter enforcement, including proactive measures such as audits. The specifics of enforcement will become clear once the NIS2 Directive is transposed.

    As the National Cyber Security Bill nears enactment, organisations should prepare for a more robust and coordinated cybersecurity environment that aligns with the EU’s broader vision of digital resilience and cross-border cooperation. For further information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with one of the authors or your usual DLA Piper contact.

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  • Shehbaz Sharif meets Iranian president on sidelines of ECO summit

    Shehbaz Sharif meets Iranian president on sidelines of ECO summit

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday on the sidelines of the 17th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit held in Khankendi, Azerbaijan.

    During the meeting, the two leaders reviewed ongoing bilateral cooperation across all sectors and expressed satisfaction over the progress made on decisions taken during their previous meeting aimed at further strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations.

    The two leaders also discussed the evolving regional situation in light of Israel’s unjustified aggression against Iran. PM Shehbaz appreciated President Pezeshkian’s leadership and commended Iran’s decision to exercise restraint and pursue a ceasefire during the recent crisis.

    Reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the people and government of Iran, the premier reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm commitment to working together with Iran through dialogue and diplomacy for peace in the region.

    Read: PM to attend 17th ECO summit in Baku

    President Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan’s strong diplomatic support for Iran at international forums during the recent crisis and thanked Pakistan for its key role in de-escalation efforts.

    PM Shehbaz also conveyed a message of congratulations and best wishes for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

    17th ECO Summit

    PM Shehbaz reached Azerbaijan on Thursday for a two-day official visit to participate in the 17th Summit of the ECO.

    The summit, was held in Khankendi from July 3 to 4, under the theme “New ECO Vision for a Sustainable and Climate Resilient Future”, bringing together heads of state and government from member countries to discuss pressing regional issues, including connectivity, trade and climate change.

    The premier was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi.

    Upon his arrival at Fuzuli International Airport, the prime minister was received by Azerbaijan’s Minister of Culture Adil Karimli, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Khazar Farhadov, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan Qasim Moinuddin and other senior diplomatic and government officials.

    The Foreign Office had stated that the prime minister would address the summit outlining Pakistan’s perspective on key regional and global issues. He was expected to reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to the ECO Vision 2025 and advocate for deeper intra-regional trade, enhanced transport connectivity, greater energy cooperation and sustainable development.

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  • Australian scientists develop green method to produce ammonia gas from air-Xinhua

    SYDNEY, July 4 (Xinhua) — Australian scientists have pioneered a green method to produce ammonia gas from air using artificial lightning, which is low-cost, decentralized and scalable.

    The team has created a more efficient process to produce ammonia gas directly, bypassing earlier methods that first yielded ammonium in solution and required additional steps and energy to obtain the final gas, according to University of Sydney researchers whose study was published Friday.

    Ammonia is typically produced by the energy-intensive and fossil fuel-dependent Haber-Bosch process, an invention in the 19th century, said a statement from the university.

    “In this research, we’ve successfully developed a method that allows air to be converted to ammonia in its gaseous form using electricity,” said the study’s lead researcher, University of Sydney Professor PJ Cullen.

    The plasma-based method Cullen’s team developed uses electricity to excite nitrogen and oxygen molecules in the air. The team then passes these excited molecules to the membrane-based electrolyser to convert the excited molecules to ammonia, according to the study published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition under the German Chemical Society.

    Researchers stressed the need for decentralized and low-cost green ammonia production independent of fossil fuels, noting the team’s plasma-electrolysis process is already energy efficient and scalable, with further improvements underway. ■

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