| Parliamentarians from around the world met with policymakers and partners at the World Health Summit in Berlin to foster dialogue on how to mobilize political will, defend equal rights and build inclusive and sustainable responses to HIV. “Parliamentarians have long been a cornerstone of international efforts to end AIDS, pushing for efforts to secure substantial funding, technical expertise, and political advocacy to ensure equitable access to life-saving HIV treatment and prevention services,” said UNAIDS Executive Director, Winnie Byanyima. “As we work towards ending AIDS by 2030, partnerships with governments that prioritize human rights and equity remain critical.” |
At the World Health Summit, global parliamentarians meet with partners to strengthen political leadership in ending AIDS
Supply chain challenges could cost airlines more than $11 billion in 2025
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) in collaboration with Oliver Wyman, a global leader in management consulting and a business of Marsh McLennan (NYSE:MMC), today launched a joint study, Reviving the Commercial Aircraft Supply Chain (link). The report addresses supply chain challenges in the aerospace industry, and explores the root cause of these challenges, the impact on airlines, and initiatives to move the aviation industry forward.
Challenges within the aerospace industry’s supply chain are delaying production of new aircraft and parts, resulting in airlines reevaluating their fleet plans and, in many cases, keeping older aircraft flying for extended amounts of time. The worldwide commercial backlog reached a historic high of more than 17,000 aircraft in 2024, significantly higher than the 2010 to 2019 backlog of around 13,000 aircraft per year.
The slow pace of production is estimated to cost the airline industry more than $11 billion in 2025, driven by four main factors, Excess fuel costs (~$4.2 billion), Additional maintenance costs ($3.1 billion), Increased engine leasing costs ($2.6 billion), and Surplus inventory holding costs ($1.4 billion).
In addition to the mounting costs, supply chain challenges inhibit airlines from deploying sufficient aircraft to meet growing passenger demand. In 2024, passenger demand rose 10.4%, exceeding the capacity expansion of 8.7% and pushing load factors to a record 83.5%. The trend in rising passenger demand continues into 2025.
Ethiopia revises electricity tariffs across all consumer categories
The Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU) has unveiled a revised electricity tariff schedule, effective from October 11 to December 30, 2025, as part of the country’s ongoing multi-year power sector reform.
Under the new rates, residential electricity tariffs are now tiered according to consumption. Households using up to 50 kWh will pay 0.7571 birr per kilowatt-hour, while heavy users consuming more than 500 kWh face 5.0990 birr per kilowatt-hour. Monthly bills for postpaid customers start at 11.42 birr for the lowest tier, rising to 47.7 birr for higher consumption, while prepaid customers will pay 4.53 birr and 16.60 birr respectively.
Industrial and commercial users also see increases. Low-voltage industries are charged 3.0889 birr per kilowatt-hour, medium-voltage users 2.4927 birr per kilowatt-hour, and general service customers 5.0141 birr per kilowatt-hour. Demand charges for industrial users are set at 441.28 birr per kilowatt for low-voltage and 324.34 birr per kilowatt for medium-voltage connections. (Birr Metrics)
Ethiopia Pioneers AI-Powered Digital X-Ray for TB Screening, Commended by WHO
Ethiopia has taken a major step forward in the fight against tuberculosis (TB) by launching a national AI-powered digital X-ray system for TB screening. The launch, held on 18 September 2025 during the Annual Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Other Lung Diseases Review Meeting, was officiated by Dr Dereje Duguma, State Minister of Health.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Ethiopia was recognized and commended for its critical contribution to this national milestone. WHO played a central role in developing the National Implementation Guideline on AI-Powered Digital X-ray for Tuberculosis Screening and in building the capacity of health workers across the country.
To facilitate the national rollout, WHO Ethiopia supported the training of 75 health-care workers, including radiology personnel and program officers, to effectively operate the machines for TB screening and ensure linkage to diagnosis and care.
“Ethiopia is one of the first countries in Africa to adopt and implement this new innovation at such a large scale,” said Dr Dereje Duguma, State Minister of Health. “The country has procured and distributed 225 AI-powered digital X-ray machines to health facilities across all regions to support early TB screening and detection. Strong government commitment and partner collaboration are the backbones of this major milestone in our national efforts to end the TB epidemic.” (WHO)
