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  • Exploring The Habitability And Interior Composition Of Exoplanets Lying Within The Extended Habitable Zone

    Exploring The Habitability And Interior Composition Of Exoplanets Lying Within The Extended Habitable Zone

    Distribution of 339 planets in the stellar effective flux (𝑆eff) versus stellar temperature (𝑇eff) space. Red solid circles indicate the 17 planets orbiting within the EHZ, while gray points depict the remaining planets. Solar system planets are marked with purple circles. The green solid lines correspond to the inner and outer edges of the classical 1D habitable zone, as defined by Kopparapu et al. (2013). The blue dashed line represents the inner edge of the Extended Habitable Zone (EHZ) around M dwarf stars, assuming 30% heat transport efficiency (Wandel 2023a). The brown curve marks the outer edge of the EHZ, determined by the melting of ice sheets driven by geothermal heat (Wandel 2023b). The gray dashed line indicates the tidally locked radius around M dwarf stars. The green shaded region defines the classical HZ and the blue shaded region highlights the extended HZ for tidally locked exoplanets. — astro-ph.EP

    Studying the habitability, internal structure and composition of exoplanets is crucial for understanding their potential to sustain life beyond our solar system.

    Characterizing planetary structures and atmospheric evolution provides valuable insights into surface conditions and the long-term habitability of these planets. In this study, we present a comprehensive analysis of exoplanets spanning from super-Earths to mini-Neptunes (Rp ≀ 4 R⊕ and Mp ≀ 15 M⊕) located within the extended habitable zone, along with parameterization of their host stars.

    We find that the planets in our sample orbit M dwarf stars and are tidally locked to them. Using archival photometric data from Gaia, Pan-STARRS1, 2MASS, and WISE, we estimate the atmospheric and physical parameters of the host stars.

    We also model the interior structure of these planets to infer their possible compositions. Additionally, under the assumption that these exoplanets can accrete a gaseous layer, we model the envelope fraction of the habitable exoplanets.

    With an Earth-like rocky composition, LHS 1140 b and TOI-1452 b can hold onto negligible amount of their initial gas layer. However, sustaining a sufficient amount of atmosphere over time, the planets LP 791-18 c, LTT 3780 c and K2-18 b are likely to be water worlds.

    The models suggest a water rich composition for TOI-1266 c without any significant amount of atmosphere. Modeling interior compositions and atmospheric escape scenarios allow us to assess the potential habitability of these planets by evaluating the likelihood of surface liquid water and the retention of stable atmospheres.

    Sushmita Deb, Kaushal Sharma, Samrat Biswas, Biman Jyoti Medhi

    Comments: 15 pages, 6 figures
    Subjects: Earth and Planetary Astrophysics (astro-ph.EP)
    Cite as: arXiv:2507.04440 [astro-ph.EP] (or arXiv:2507.04440v1 [astro-ph.EP] for this version)
    https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2507.04440
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    Related DOI:
    https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/staf1057
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    Submission history
    From: Sushmita Deb
    [v1] Sun, 6 Jul 2025 15:58:53 UTC (15,164 KB)
    https://arxiv.org/abs/2507.04440
    Astrobiology,

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  • Some stomach cancer cases can be prevented by targeting bacteria – NewsNation

    1. Some stomach cancer cases can be prevented by targeting bacteria  NewsNation
    2. Global lifetime estimates of expected and preventable gastric cancers across 185 countries  Nature
    3. A common bacteria could cause 12 million cases of stomach cancer  Euronews.com
    4. Study projects over 15 million people born during 2008-2017 could develop gastric cancer in life  The Hindu
    5. Simple Treatment Could Prevent 75% of Stomach Cancer Cases, Doctors Reveal  NDTV

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  • Was Earth’s Water Acquired Locally During The Earliest Phases Of The Solar System Formation?

    Was Earth’s Water Acquired Locally During The Earliest Phases Of The Solar System Formation?

    Water-equivalent content by weight in the Solar System and model predictions. Left upper panel: Midplane temperature of the disk using T1au = 145, 180, 200 and 300 K (from light blue to dark blue respectively) in Eq. 2. Left lower panel: The solid curves show the snowlines calculated using the Tinacci et al. (2023) BE distribution for the different temperature profiles (colours code as above). The data points show the median values of the water-equivalent content by weight for different objects of the Solar System (Sec. 3), where vertical bars represent the minimum and maximum range. Please note that the values reported in Tab. 1 are considered upper limits (see text). The uncertainty of the formation region of the various objects are shown as ellipses, distinguishing NC, CC, and comet populations. Right: Computed snowlines using T1au = 200 K in Eq. 2 and different models (see text): BE distribution (solid line), single BE (dashed) and condensation at 180 K (dotted). The right and left panels share the same vertical axis. — astro-ph.EP

    The origin of the terrestrial water remains debated, as standard Solar System formation models suggest that Earth formed from dry grains, inside the snowline of the Proto-Solar Nebula (PSN).

    Here, we revisit this issue through the lens of computational chemistry. While the classically used snowline relies on a single condensation temperature, recent work in quantum chemistry shows that the binding energy of water on icy grains has a gaussian distribution, which implies a gradual sublimation of water rather than a sharp transition. We use the computed distribution of binding energies to estimate the radial distribution of adsorbed ice on the dust grains across the PSN protoplanetary disk.

    Our model reproduces the full range of estimated water abundances on Earth and matches the hydration trends observed in chondrite groups at their predicted formation distances. Thus, we suggest that a significant fraction of Earth’s water may have been acquired locally at early stages of the Solar System formation, without requiring delivery from beyond the classical snowline.

    Lise Boitard-Crépeau, Cecilia Ceccarelli, Pierre Beck, Lionel Vacher, Piero Ugliengo

    Comments: 7 pages, 2 figures, published in ApJL
    Subjects: Earth and Planetary Astrophysics (astro-ph.EP)
    Cite as: arXiv:2507.03968 [astro-ph.EP] (or arXiv:2507.03968v1 [astro-ph.EP] for this version)
    https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2507.03968
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    Journal reference: ApJL 987 (2025) L25
    Related DOI:
    https://doi.org/10.3847/2041-8213/ade5aa
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    Submission history
    From: Lise Boitard-Crépeau
    [v1] Sat, 5 Jul 2025 09:17:34 UTC (740 KB)
    https://arxiv.org/abs/2507.03968
    Astrobiology,

    Explorers Club Fellow, ex-NASA Space Station Payload manager/space biologist, Away Teams, Journalist, Lapsed climber, Synaesthete, Na’Vi-Jedi-Freman-Buddhist-mix, ASL, Devon Island and Everest Base Camp veteran, (he/him) đŸ––đŸ»

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  • BIKE CHECK: Anna Henderson’s Pink Madone

    BIKE CHECK: Anna Henderson’s Pink Madone

    Lidl-Trek’s mechanics have been hard at work to prepare a beautiful pink Trek Madone to celebrate Anna Henderson’s lead of the Giro d’Italia. Anna took the race lead, along with an excellent stage win, on the second day of the Italian Grand Tour. After a bold 40km attack, Anna outsprinted her breakaway companion, to win her first Grand Tour stage and move into the race lead by 15 seconds.

    I felt super proud to wear the Maglia Rosa today. The Team gave me special things to wear: I had pink glasses, helmet and bike. I was dressed in Pink from head to toe and it felt super special. It’s a day I will remember.

    Team mechanic Vincent gets to work after the stage

    Final touches put together with Union Tools

    And it’s Time to get this bike to its rightful owner

    Special delivery!

    The golden hour sun hits different on a pink Madone

    No bike build is complete without a SRAM groupset and Pirelli tires

    BAAW

    And on the road to Stage 3!


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  • Yaamava’ Resort & Casino Giving Away the Holy Grail of Comics: Action Comics #1

    Yaamava’ Resort & Casino Giving Away the Holy Grail of Comics: Action Comics #1

    Hollywood Stars and Comic Legends Align at Yaamava’ with Special Appearances by Dean Cain, Kevin Smith and Ralph Garman

    HIGHLAND, Calif., July 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ –The top-ranked, most valuable comic book in the world is up for grabs at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel: a graded copy of Action Comics #1, the 1938 issue that launched the superhero era. Considered a cornerstone of pop culture history, only 78 graded copies of this legendary comic are known to exist, and one lucky Club Serrano member will win it in the grand finale of the Holy Grail of Comics promotion on August 5.

    “This isn’t just a giveaway—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own the most iconic comic ever published,” said Kenji Hall, General Manager, Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel. “At Yaamava’, our guests are the real superheroes, and we can’t wait to bring them yet another epic moment.”

    To celebrate the final stretch of the Holy Grail of Comics promotion, Yaamava’ will host two star-studded events.

    On July 11 at 6 p.m., filmmaker, actor and author Kevin Smith and actor/comedian Ralph Garman will bring their hit podcast, Hollywood Babble-On, to Tukut Lounge at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino for a fan-focused night of comic-culture celebration. Limited tickets available online at Yaamava.com/HollywoodBabbleOn.

    On August 5, Dean Cain, known for his role as Clark Kent/Superman in the ABC television series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, will unveil the lucky winner who gets to take home the coveted Action Comics #1.

    Club Serrano members began earning entries for the Holy Grail of Comics giveaway on June 1, 2025. Entries can be earned through August 5 until 8:50 p.m.

    In addition to earning entries, visitors can pose for photos in the specially designed “fortress” display housing the comic or receive surprise “cape drops”—instant entry into the grand finale drawing.

    The Holy Grail of Comics is a historic celebration of comics, collectors and pop culture.

    For full promotion details, visit Yaamava.com. 

    About Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel:
    Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel is the only AAA Five-Diamond rated entertainment destination in the West, featuring a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star hotel with spacious suites, an elevated pool deck, a Forbes Five-Star spa, and a state-of-the-art theater. Recently named the 2024 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Award for Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas and Best Casino Restaurant for its Pines Modern Steakhouse as well as Best Native American Casino and Best Overall Casino Outside of Las Vegas by the Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards, Yaamava’ is located just 70 miles from downtown Los Angeles in Highland, CA. The Casino has more than 7,400 slots, five high-limit gaming rooms, luxury retail shops, a wide variety of award-winning dining options, and more than a dozen bars and lounges, including IE’s premiere sports bar, The 909 Food Hall. The San Manuel Entertainment Authority owns and operates Yaamava’ Resort & Casino.

    For more information, visit www.yaamava.com or follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Threads and X (formally known as Twitter).

    SOURCE Yaamava’ Resort & Casino


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  • Billie Eilish & UMG Upcycle 400K Tees in Bold Move for Sustainable Merch

    Billie Eilish & UMG Upcycle 400K Tees in Bold Move for Sustainable Merch

    Key Takeaways

    ‱ Merch Recycling Initiative: Thanks to a project spearheaded by Billie Eilish, Universal Music Group is repurposing over 400,000 unsold T-shirts into new garments through a textile recycling partnership.

    ‱ Sustainability in Music: The project reflects a broader industry trend toward sustainable merchandise, especially among artists with younger, eco-conscious audiences.

    More than 400,000 unsold concert tees are getting a second life.

    Singer Billie Eilish and her mother, Maggie Baird, have been working with Universal Music Group (UMG) – which represents Eilish – to find a more sustainable solution for the thousands of pounds of unsold concert merchandise the label has in its massive Nashville warehouse. Bravado, UMG’s merch arm, has stored unsold apparel there for years, if not decades, President Matt Young told Fast Company.

    Eilish’s concert stop in Quebec last year broke the venue’s record for most single-day merch sales.

    Rather than simply donating them – which can, in some sectors, just lead to apparel ending up in landfills or incinerated – Bravado partnered with Spanish clothing designer and textile manufacturer Hallotex to upcycle the old concert merch into new.

    The company is shipping more than 400,000 old T-shirts to Morocco, where Hallotex will unspool them into cotton yarn and then respin them into more than 280,000 new 100% cotton tees that UMG artists will use in the fall. Shirts that can’t be recycled will be shredded and turned into housing insulation.

    “We are drowning in clothes on this planet, much of which is in landfills, much of which is shipped to other countries to pollute their waters and their land,” Baird – Eilish’s mother – told Fast Company. “I think we have to be extremely thoughtful about what merch gets put out in the world – why does it exist, how is it made and what happens to it in its second life?”

    UMG warehouse

    UMG’s Nashville warehouse has thousands of pounds of old, unused concert merch that will now be upcycled into new cotton tees. (Courtesy of UMG/Bravado)

    Music merch has long been an essential part of the concert experience, with high demand from fans of all ages at events from Taylor Swift’s mega Eras Tour to the Oasis reunion. It’s an industry expected to reach $16.3 billion in global sales within the next five years.

    And Eilish is already no stranger to incorporating sustainable merch into that demand. She has a section of her online merch store dedicated to apparel made from recycled materials, including from a recent Earth Day partnership with three sustainable businesses. On her HIT ME HARD AND SOFT tour last year, she played a video before each show about her choice to offer sustainable merch options and what that looks like.

    Her push for sustainable concert merch, though, is particularly impactful because of her heavily Gen Z audience. A recent ASI Research study on promotional products consumers found that more than 70% of Gen Z consumers said it was important for promo they receive to be environmentally friendly, more than other generations.

    Young – Bravado’s president – said that it’s been Eilish, Baird and several other young artists that have pushed UMG and Bravado toward more sustainable merch options, including the upcycling program, since he’s been at the helm of the company.

    And Eilish’s project is yet another indicator that sustainability is becoming more of a “must-have” than a “nice-to-have” for promo firms and beyond. Is now the time to make a joke about giving these tees a “Happier Than Ever” ending?

    Promo for the Planet is your destination for the latest news, biggest trends and best ideas to help build a more sustainable and socially-responsible industry.


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  • FDA Grants Orphan Drug Designation to Liposomal Gemcitabine in Biliary Tract Cancer

    FDA Grants Orphan Drug Designation to Liposomal Gemcitabine in Biliary Tract Cancer

    • The FDA has granted orphan drug designation to FF-10832 (liposomal gemcitabine) in biliary tract cancer (BTC), highlighting the significant unmet medical need for this aggressive and rare malignancy.
    • Liposomal gemcitabine is an investigational formulation designed to enhance antitumor activity by prolonging plasma half-life and improving targeted drug delivery, potentially offering a more effective treatment option.
    • This designation provides crucial incentives for the development of FF-10832, including market exclusivity and financial support, accelerating its path through clinical trials for a disease with limited current therapies.

    The FDA has granted orphan drug designation to FF-10832, an investigational liposomal formulation of gemcitabine, for the treatment of BTC. This designation underscores the critical unmet medical need in BTC, a rare and aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options.1

    BTCs, including cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer, affect approximately 16,000 individuals annually in the US. Over 70% of patients present with unresectable or metastatic disease at diagnosis, contributing to high recurrence rates of 50% to 70% and 5-year survival rates ranging from 4% to 13%. Despite its approval in the 1990s, gemcitabine remains a cornerstone of first-line BTC treatment regimens, highlighting the persistent demand for more effective interventions.

    FF-10832 represents a novel approach to delivering gemcitabine, a widely used antimetabolite. The liposomal formulation is designed for intravenous administration and aims to enhance antitumor activity by prolonging plasma half-life and improving targeted delivery of the drug to tumor sites. This innovative delivery system holds the potential to improve the therapeutic index of gemcitabine, leading to greater efficacy and potentially reduced systemic toxicity compared with conventional formulations.

    The investigational agent is currently undergoing evaluation in phase 2a clinical studies (NCT05318573). These trials are assessing the safety and efficacy of liposomal gemcitabine as monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab (Keytruda), an immune checkpoint inhibitor, across various solid tumors, including BTC.

    Microscopic, photorealistic image of tumor cells – Generated with Adobe Firefly

    The FDA’s orphan drug designation is specifically aimed at facilitating the development of therapies for rare diseases impacting fewer than 200,000 people in the US. This designation provides significant incentives, including a 7-year period of marketing exclusivity upon approval, along with tax credits for clinical research costs and exemption from FDA user fees.2 These provisions are crucial for advancing research and clinical development in patient populations where small numbers can impede preclinical research and slow down clinical trials, thereby hindering therapeutic progress.

    “BTCs are rare but aggressive malignancies associated with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options,” said Susumu Shimoyama, president of Fujifilm Pharmaceuticals, in a press release.1 “Receiving orphan drug designation highlights the significant unmet medical need that still remains and supports development of FF-10832 for patients with BTC who have few satisfactory options.”

    Fujifilm Pharmaceuticals’ investigational drug candidates FF-10502 and FF-10850 have also received orphan drug designations for cholangiocarcinoma and Merkel cell carcinoma, respectively. The potential for liposomal gemcitabine to improve outcomes in BTC patients warrants continued close observation as clinical trial data emerges. The strategic benefit of enhanced drug delivery through liposomal encapsulation could offer a much-needed advancement for a disease area that has seen limited progress in recent decades.

    REFERENCES:
    1. FF-10832 granted FDA orphan drug designation for the treatment of biliary tract cancer. News release. Fujifilm Pharmaceuticals. July 7, 2025. Accessed July 8, 2025. https://tinyurl.com/35p7hhyu
    2. Designating an orphan product: drugs and biological products. US FDA. Updated August 12, 2024. Accessed July 8, 2025. https://tinyurl.com/5ckfaxtv

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  • Eight dead, dozens missing as floods destroy Nepal-China friendship bridge

    Eight dead, dozens missing as floods destroy Nepal-China friendship bridge

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    At least eight people were killed and over two dozen remain missing after the Bhote Koshi River flooded on the Nepal-China border, sweeping away the “Friendship Bridge” that connects the two countries, officials said on Tuesday.

    Despite no heavy rainfall in the immediate area, experts suspect the flooding was triggered by an overflowing glacial lake in Tibet following torrential rains. Nepalese police confirmed the recovery of eight unidentified bodies and the rescue of 57 individuals, with search and rescue operations ongoing.

    At least 20 people are reported missing in Nepal, including six Chinese workers and three police officers, according to Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA). In China, state media reported 11 missing on the other side of the border.

    Also read: PMD warns of heavy monsoon rains, flood risks

    The Chinese nationals were working on the Inland Container Depot under construction with Chinese assistance, located about 80 km north of Kathmandu. Arjun Paudel, a senior local official in Nepal’s Rasuwa district, said containers carrying Chinese imports were also swept away. “There is a big loss of property and we are collecting details,” he said.

    Trade between Nepal and China has been disrupted due to the bridge’s destruction. The Bhote Koshi River area is a key transit route for goods between the two countries.

    China, which has significantly increased investment in Nepal in recent years, has also been battling heavy rain and flash floods, with more severe weather expected due to an approaching tropical storm.

    Also read: Hope fades for missing in Texas floods as death toll nears 100

    Nepal’s weather authorities are working with Sentinel Asia, an international initiative using satellite data for disaster response, to investigate the exact cause of the flood.

    Meanwhile in Pakistan, floods and rain-related incidents, including landslides and house collapses, have claimed at least 79 lives since June 26, the National Disaster Management Authority said. The dead include 38 children. Fresh alerts have been issued for flash floods and glacial lake outbursts in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to rising temperatures and an approaching weather system.

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  • International Umpire Bismillah Jan Shinwari Dies at 41

    International Umpire Bismillah Jan Shinwari Dies at 41

    By Sadia Akhtar

    The cricket world is mourning the sudden passing of international umpire Bismillah Jan Shinwari. He died on Monday following an illness. He was 41 years old.

    The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed the news on Tuesday, calling it a huge loss to Afghan cricket. Shinwari was one of the country’s most respected officials and had represented Afghanistan on the global stage for nearly a decade.

     The board made the news official by stating, “It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of Mr. Shinwari’s demise following an illness. Bismillah Jan was a great servant of Afghan cricket.”.

    He was a member of the ICC International Panel of Umpires. Over the years, he stood in 25 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 21 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). His international umpiring journey began in December 2017. He made his debut in an ODI between Afghanistan and Ireland in Sharjah.

    ACB paid tribute to Shinwari in a heartfelt statement. The board also offered condolences to his family and the wider cricket community.

     “ACB’s leadership, staff, and entire Afghan Atalan family are deeply shocked and saddened by the demise of Bismillah Jan Shinwari, a respected member of Afghanistan’s elite umpiring panel,” the board said.

    Tributes poured in from across the cricket world. Mr. Jay Shah, Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), also expressed sorrow over Shinwari’s passing.

    “His contributions to the game were huge, and he will be deeply missed by the cricket community. We are profoundly saddened by this loss and extend our condolences to his family and loved ones,” Shah said.

    Shinwari was widely admired for his calm presence and fair decision-making on the field. He played a vital role in developing Afghanistan’s presence in international cricket during a crucial growth phase for the nation’s team.

    Before his international assignments, Shinwari stood in several domestic competitions, including the Ahmad Shah Abdali 4-Day Tournament and the Ghazi Amanullah Khan Regional One-Day Tournament.

    His consistent performances earned him a place on the ICC panel and regular assignments in matches involving Full Member and Associate teams.

    In 2020, Shinwari survived a tragic incident that saw several members of his family killed in a roadside bomb explosion in Nangarhar province. Initial reports wrongly claimed he was among the deceased, but he later confirmed he had survived.

    Despite personal tragedy, Shinwari continued his work with professionalism and dignity. His resilience was admired both in Afghanistan and internationally.

    News of his death has shocked the Afghan cricket community. Players, coaches, and officials remembered him not only for his skill but for his humility and dedication.

    With his passing, Afghan cricket has lost a pillar. The game, both at home and abroad, is poorer without him.

    Shinwari’s legacy is one of integrity and service. He was often praised for promoting fairness in the game and upholding the spirit of cricket in every match he stood in.

    He inspired many young Afghans to take up umpiring as a serious profession. His journey from domestic matches to the international stage gave hope to many in a country where cricket is more than just a sport; it is a symbol of unity and pride.

    The ACB is expected to honor Shinwari’s contributions in upcoming domestic matches. A moment of silence may also be observed during Afghanistan’s next international fixture.

    He is survived by his family, to whom the entire cricket world now sends its thoughts and prayers.

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  • Sustaining priority services for HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections in a changing funding landscape

    Sustaining priority services for HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections in a changing funding landscape

    Overview

    This operational guidance provides a structured approach to support countries in sustaining priority services for HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections in the
    context of reduced external funding. The guidance is intended for national governments, public health programmes, community-led organizations, civil society, technical partners and donors working to safeguard priority services, support phased adaptation, protect
    health outcomes and preserve hard-won gains.

    The publication outlines practical steps to support countries in assessing risks, setting priorities and adapting services and systems. It introduces a stepwise priority-setting framework that organizes services
    into three tiers based on their contribution to achieving national and global health outcomes.

    Related

    Sustaining HIV, hepatitis and STIs services amid declining health aid

    Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programmes

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