South Africa reports H5N1 bird flu on poultry farms, international agency says
The outbreaks have killed 1,150 poultry birds, Paris-based WOAH said in a notification, citing South African authorities.
(Reporting by Gus TrompizEditing by Ros Russell)
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New Straits Times
6 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Content moderators unite to tackle trauma from extreme content
Content moderators from the Philippines to Turkiye are uniting to push for greater mental health support to help them cope with the psychological effects of exposure to a rising tide of disturbing images online. The people tasked with removing harmful content from tech giants like Meta Platforms or TikTok report a range of noxious health effects from loss of appetite to anxiety and suicidal thoughts. "Previously, I could sleep for seven hours," said one Filipino content moderator who asked to remain anonymous to avoid problems with their employer. "Now, I only sleep for around four hours." Workers are gagged by non-disclosure agreements with the tech platforms or companies that do the outsourced work, meaning they cannot discuss details of the content they are seeing. But videos of babies dying in Gaza and gruesome pictures from the Air India crash in June were given as examples by moderators. Social media companies, which often outsource content moderation to third parties, are facing increasing pressure to address the emotional toll of moderation. Meta, which owns Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, has already been hit with workers' rights suits in Kenya and Ghana, and in 2020 the firm paid a US$52 million settlement to American content moderators suffering long-term mental health issues. The Global Trade Union Alliance of Content Moderators was launched in Nairobi in April to establish worker protections for what they dub "a 21st-century hazardous job", similar to the work of emergency responders. Their first demand is for tech companies to adopt mental health protocols, such as exposure limits and trauma training, in their supply chains. "They say we're the ones protecting the Internet, keeping kids safe online," the Filipino worker said. "But we are not protected enough." Globally, tens of thousands of content moderators spend up to 10 hours a day scrolling through social media posts to remove harmful content — and the mental toll is well-documented. "I've had bad dreams because of the graphic content, and I'm smoking more, losing focus," said Berfin Sirin Tunc, a content moderator for TikTok in Turkiye employed via Canadian-based tech company Telus, which also does work for Meta. She said the first time she saw graphic content as part of her job she had to leave the room and go home. While some employers do provide psychological support, some workers say it is just for show — with advice to count numbers or do breathing exercises. Therapy is limited to either group sessions or a recommendation to switch off for a certain number of "wellness break" minutes. But taking them is another thing. "If you don't go back to the computer, your team leader will ask where are you and (say) that the queue of videos is growing," said Tunc, "Bosses see us just as machines." Moderators have seen an uptick in violent videos. However, Telus said in its emailed response that internal estimates show that distressing material represents less than five per cent of the total content reviewed. Adding to the pressure on moderators is a fear of losing jobs as companies shift towards artificial intelligence-powered moderation. Meta, which invested billions and hired thousands of content moderators globally over the years to police extreme content, scrapped its US fact-checking programme in January, following the election of Donald Trump. In April, 2,000 Barcelona-based workers were sent home after Meta severed a contract with Telus. "I'm waiting for Telus to fire me," said Tunc, "because they fired my friends from our union." Fifteen workers in Turkiye are suing the company after being dismissed, they say, after organising a union and attending protests this year. Moderators in low-income countries say that the low wages, productivity pressure and inadequate mental health support can be remedied if companies sign up to the Global Alliance's eight protocols. These include limiting exposure time, making realistic quotas and 24/7 counselling, as well as living wages, mental health training and the right to join a union. "With better conditions, we can do this better. If you feel like a human, you can work like a human," said Tunc. The writer is from Reuters
Borneo Post
14 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Dr Sim: High-tech collagen factory to strengthen Sarawak's role in wound care innovation, medical research
Dr Sim (front third right) joins other guests to pop balloons to officially open the conference. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (July 4): A high-tech collagen factory will be set up in Sarawak as part of broader efforts to strengthen the state's role in wound care innovation and medical research, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. The Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government said the facility will be established by a United States-based company specialising in wound management and regenerative medicine. 'They have seen the Premier, they visited me, and they will start a factory in Sarawak for all this very high-tech collagen,' he told reporters after opening the 5th International Burn and Wound Conference 2025 here today. While the project timeline has not been finalised, Dr Sim disclosed that Sarawak was selected over Selangor as the preferred location. 'The initial amount, if I'm not wrong, is either US$20 million (RM84.4 million) or US$40 million (RM168.8 million). That's one, but they also have associate industries — because once one moves, others will follow from the US,' he said. According to him, the wound care sector in Sarawak continues to grow in importance due to the high prevalence of diabetes-related complications, including amputations. 'At Sarawak General Hospital (SGH), almost every week someone has a leg amputated due to a diabetic ulcer that cannot heal. That's why wound healing is not only about service, but also about research,' he said. Dr Sim said collagen-based regenerative treatments are a key component of modern wound care and the planned factory would cater to both local and global demand. 'We don't want to be reactive. If you're constructive, you plan ahead,' he said. He also emphasised the state's long-term goal of building a complete medical ecosystem encompassing healthcare services, research, and manufacturing. He noted Sarawak's growing reputation in clinical research, especially in 'first-in-human' trials — the highest level of medical testing. 'Last year, there were five first-in-human research projects in Malaysia. Four were done in Sarawak. This year, there are four again — all in Sarawak,' he said. He credited SGH's Clinical Research Centre and the oncology team for advancing the state's position in medical research. Over the past decade, Sarawak's research sector has generated RM1 billion in clinical trial-related business, he said. 'This is very sustainable. You can't keep building Pan Borneo highways, but you can keep developing new drugs and therapies. That's why this ecosystem is important,' he explained. Dr Sim added the upcoming Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre is also part of the state's broader strategy to position itself as a regional hub for medical innovation. collagen factory Dr Sim Kui Hian lead medical research wound care
The Sun
2 days ago
- The Sun
BeauEver Secures NZ Prime Minister's Support in Historic China Summit to Accelerate Global Skincare Expansion
SHANGHAI, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 2 July 2025 - At the 2025 China–New Zealand Trade Innovation Summit, New Zealand Prime Minister, the Right Hon. Christopher Luxon, witnessed the official signing of a strategic partnership between high-end anti-aging brand BeauEver and biotechnology leader The Beauty Lab Collective (TBLC). This milestone partnership deepens economic cooperation between New Zealand and China while promoting the global development of responsible, science-driven skincare innovation. 'This partnership reflects the strength of the NZ–China relationship and our commitment to global innovation,' said Prime Minister Luxon. 'BeauEver represents the best of New Zealand — science, sustainability, and international vision.' The agreement includes the launch of a New Zealand-based Active Ingredient Innovation Center, dedicated to researching marine and botanical compounds native to New Zealand's pristine ecosystems. Through TBLC's certified cruelty-free infrastructure and intelligent manufacturing, BeauEver aims to enhance its capacity to meet the evolving needs of consumers in China and across Southeast Asia. 'Our mission is to become a globally trusted name in cellular anti-aging — where nature meets science, and skincare becomes a meaningful, restorative ritual. This partnership helps us share that philosophy with more women around the world.' said Liam Corkery, General Manager of BeauEver New Zealand. BeauEver's innovation is grounded in more than 40 years of research into bioactive ingredients and cell-level rejuvenation. With dual R&D centers in Switzerland and New Zealand, the brand focuses on holistic skin renewal by supporting mitochondrial vitality, collagen stimulation, and skin-barrier reinforcement. At the heart of its product line is the BeauEver Cell-Reviving Firming and Rejuvenating Essence — a lightweight, high-efficacy formula designed to support skin's natural renewal process. Powered by bio-fermented actives, transdermal collagen delivery, and barrier-enhancing peptides, the essence helps improve the appearance of firmness, radiance, and resilience over time. It embodies BeauEver's brand philosophy: to awaken the body's natural energy and deliver visible results with integrity, science, and care. With a reported 300% year-on-year growth in 2024 in China market, BeauEver is rapidly expanding its global footprint in the premium skincare space — particularly among dermatology clinics, spa professionals, and wellness institutions across Asia-Pacific.
