The International SOS Situation Update podcast provides the latest analysis, advice and recommendations on the health and security risks impacting you and your organisation today.
With support from our global medical and security experts, we discuss the most pertinent topics impacting a workforce and provide tactical guidance on mitigating health, safety, security and wellbeing risks.
Situation Update Podcast
Anti-government Protests in Guinea - 31 March
Guinea is currently undergoing a political transition following a military coup in late 2021. Although the military government has agreed to hold elections in the West African country in 2025, tensions remain high. Despite the ban on demonstrations, protests are likely to become more frequent.
International SOS' Lead Security Analyst for West and Central Africa, Kirna Kataria, and Senior Security Specialist, Chiara di Fiore give us their assessment of the current situation and share that although many protests are small in scale, there is a possibility of the situation escalating.
Pakistan's Economic, Political and Security Crises - 24 March
Pakistan is simultanously experiencing three crises: a deteriorating economic situation, an escalating terror threat and increasing political instability. Tensions have been running high since the country’s former prime minister was removed from office in April 2022. International SOS' Lead Security Analyst covering Pakistan, Louise Hogan, has been giving her assessment on the problems the country is facing and the likelihood of further civil unrest later this year.
Situation Update - Cyclone Freddy - 16 March
A long-lasting tropical cyclone that hit Mozambique for the second time in a month has caused widespread floods and damage to buildings, exacerbating the conditions that allow cholera to flourish. Malawi has also been heavily impacted by the storm and the government has declared a state of disaster in at least ten of the southern districts. International SOS Deputy Medical Director in Mozambique, Dr Kety Guambe provides insight on the cholera outbreak and advice on how you can keep your people and operations safe from this natural disaster.
International SOS recently undertook a review of the security landscape in Mexico and as a result, revised our Risk Ratings for the country. Our teams consider a wide variety of sources when making assessments including trends in the media, data from recent reports as well as in-country visits. Mexico has also recently seen a number of demonstrations and our experts predict further unrest in the run up to the 2024 elections. International SOS Lead Security Analyst, Mexico and Central America, Raul Igleslas, Senior Manager for Intelligence & Assistance, Latin America, Jaime Lopez-Aranda, and Security Specialist, Latin America, Paulina Bouchot provide their insight on how to ensure your organisation's and people's safety.
Protests and civil unrest sweeps across West Africa during a period of political instability. But what does that mean for businesses and their people operating in the countries in the region like Mali and Burkina Faso? International SOS Lead Security Analyst for Sahel, Maghreb, Israel and Palestinian Territories, Rory Keith and Senior Security Manager, Intelligence & Assistance, Alexandre Mollet provides guidance on the situation, and what to expect in the coming months in order to keep your operations and people safe.
As part of our recognition of International Women's Day this week, International SOS' Security Manager, Mackenzie Grahek, provides some insight to ensure travellers, particularly women, are confident on their next business trip. She provides tips to help better prepare for trips and for mitigation against any potential security risks.
What are the potential economic and political impacts of the Turkey earthquake? Three weeks after the series of earthquakes and with the country's general elections happening in a few months time, International SOS Lead Security Analyst for Mashreq and Iran, Polina Vynogradova outlines the challenges in rebuilding infrastructure and the potential risks in the political landscape
Bird Flu: How Concerned Should We Be? - 25 February
Cambodia records the country's first known human case of H5N1 bird flu in nine years. We have been monitoring the virus and outbreaks in birds, mammals as well as sporadic human cases around the world. Human cases of bird flu may be rare but cases of bird flu have increased globally. International SOS Medical Director, Dr Kate O'Reilly and Global Medical Director Dr Irene Lai discuss the severity of the situation and whether it could become the next pandemic.
This is the third episode in a short series where we hear from our experts as they reflect on the crisis and its continued impact. Twelve months after the start of the conflict, what is the situation on-the-ground? What is likely to happen in the coming months which may impact organisations? We hear from International SOS Lead Security Analyst for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Louise Hogan and Lead Security Analyst for Europe, Tarun Nijjer, as they provide the latest insight on the continued challenges, the wider impact of the conflict as well as what to expect in the coming months.
Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, is going into a critical general election on 25 February 2023 as the country faces significant security and economic challenges. International SOS Lead Security Analyst for West and Central Africa, Kirna Kataria and Security Specialist Olajide Olasehinde provides the latest insight on the elections, the security challenges ahead and advice for those needing to keep their people and operations in Nigeria safe.
This is the second in a short series of podcasts from our experts as they look back on the crisis and its continued impact. After a year of challenging situations in Ukraine, how is the country's healthcare system coping? In episode 2 of this 3-part series, we hear from our experts from International SOS, Regional Medical Director for Assistance, Ryan Copeland and from Iqarus, Paramedic Team Leader, Andrew Mader and Paramedic, Lukasz Welniak on how Ukraine's healthcare system was affected by the conflict. We also gain insight on what it was like to work as a paramedic in the heart of the conflict.
Marburg Virus Disease Outbreak in Equatorial Guinea - 17 February
An outbreak of the Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) has been confirmed by authorities in Equatorial Guinea and the World Health Organization is deploying teams to trace the spread of the disease. It is a rare viral haemorrhagic fever and there is no known treatment or vaccination against the disease. International SOS Medical Director Dr Kate O'Reilly and Security Director Holly McGurk share the latest information on the outbreak and offer advice on how to proactively look out for your people.
Situation Update - Turkey-Syria Earthquake - 15 February
When a series of earthquakes struck south eastern Turkey on 6 February, International SOS responded rapidly to the unfolding situation by sending an Incident Management Team to Turkey to support clients and their people in the region. Security Director for Assistance, Phil Nolan, who coordinated our team in Kayseri, provides insight into the decision-making process behind our response and how we have been supporting our clients navigate this challenging situation.
EP 1 | Ukraine: A Reflection on One Year of the Conflict - 14 February
This is a first in short series of podcasts from our experts as they look back on the crisis and its continued impact. International SOS Security Director for Assistance, Phil Nolan and Security Solutions Director, Viktor Panchak look back at how we prepared for hostilities and helped our clients from the beginning. We also learn about the help still being provided today and discuss the lessons learned for those involved in keeping businesses and their people safe.
Situation Update - Turkey-Syria Earthquake - 13 February
A week after the devastating earthquake hit Turkey and Syria, the relief operations is shifting to care for the survivors. International SOS Global Security Manager, Gizem Acar, who is our expert on-the-ground in Turkey, shares her insights in another situation update episode about the aftermath of the earthquake in one of the worst affected areas, Hatay province. For example, she shares how the local airport has now reopened in hopes of speeding up aid entering the country for the people who need it.
Situation Update - Turkey-Syria Earthquake - 10 February
More than 13 million people across 10 provinces have been impacted by the earthquake in Turkey. International SOS Global Security Manager Gizem Acar, who has been deployed to Turkey, tells us aid trucks are beginning to get through as access to affected areas begin to open up. However, there are many fresh challenges still emerging.
Situation Update - Turkey-Syria Earthquake - 9 February
In the aftermath of the earthquakes that hit south eastern Turkey and northern Syria on 6 February, International SOS Global Security Manager, Gizem Acar was deployed to Turkey. She gives us on-the-ground insights about the challenges of operating in the affected region and advice on how to keep you and your people safe in our latest situation update.
Unrest in Peru - 26 January
Peru is gripped by political instability with protests for the return of their former president. This rapidly changing situation has seen adverse impact on business travellers, students and visitors travelling there. In our latest podcast, International SOS' Security Director for Assistance, Paul Doucet and Senior Security Manager, Jamie Lopez-Aranda set the context of the protests and the latest advice for anyone currently in Peru or due to travel there. They also share advice on how to navigate potentially challenging and complex situations during the protests.
COVID-19 in 2023 - 24 January
Coronavirus cases have soared in China after restrictions on daily life have been relaxed. Furthermore, in the United States, a new variant is spreading rapidly in some areas. We hear from two experts at International SOS — Dr Neil Hu, Medical Director for Medical Services in China, and Dr Ahmed Fahmy, Regional Medical Director for Asia on how COVID-19 can affect our lives in 2023 and if you’re travelling in the coming months, what should you do to stay safe.
Travel in a Post-COVID World - 23 December
Winter infections are on the rise in many countries — but medical experts are warning it is getting harder to treat some conditions. As efforts are stepped up to combat Antimicrobial resistance, we hear from Dr Irene Lai, International SOS’ Medical Director for the latest information and analysis. She shares advice for travellers this holiday season, how to avoid getting sick, and what to take with you in case you do.
A Rise in Crime and Violence in Papua New Guinea - 21 December
Authorities in Papua New Guinea are being challenged with a rise in crime and violence. In this podcast, International SOS Security Manager for the ANZ Pacific region, Alex Murray, sets out the latest intelligence on the situation, gathered on a recent trip to the country. He shares advice on how to stay safe in Papua New Guinea, and the vital preparations you need to make before travelling there.
Violence in Ecuador - 15 December
Ecuador is reeling from a surge in criminality and protest activity, putting civilians at risk. International SOS Senior Security Specialist, Sara Elyoumni updates us on the latest developments of the situation, and advice for those in location or travelling to the country in the coming weeks.
Threat of a 'Tripledemic' - 22 November
As the winter months arrive across the Northern Hemisphere, and with the holiday season imminent, medical leaders in the United States are worried about the potential impact of a 'tripledemic' from COVID-19, flu and the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). International SOS’ Global Medical Director, Dr Myles Druckman, is joined by Physician Assistant Lufrano to set out the potential impact of this 'tripledemic', the likely course during the months ahead, and the steps to take to keep you and your workforce safe.
Protests in Bolivia - 17 November
As Bolivia announces their first consensus in more than a decade, strikes and roadblocks have broken out in Santa Cruz causing a stand-off with the country’s leaders. But how could these protests be resolved leading up to 2024? David Quispe, International SOS’ Lead Security Analyst for South America, explains the background to the unrest, and the impact it has had on life in Santa Cruz, and the operation of businesses there. He shares the latest advice on how to navigate the situation and keep your people safe:
COP27 Update: The Growing Impact of Global Warming - 16 November
As world leaders gather to discuss climate change, we find out how our experts are gathering vital data on the security issues linked to global warming. Global Security Director Sally Llewellyn sets out how rising temperatures are worsening existing tensions in societies around the world, and threatening vital infrastructure.
The Next President of Brazil - 25 October
Brazil will hold their run-off presidential election on 30 October and here's how you can help your organisation prepare for it. In our latest podcast, our experts, Michael Rogers, Security Director, and David Quispe, Lead Security Analyst, provide insight on the situation, advice on how to prepare and how to respond to several scenarios.
Situation Update: Ebola in Uganda - 18 October
A surge of Ebola cases are causing district lockdowns and growing mortality rates across Uganda. Are you in-country, travelling to the region or have people who could be impacted? In our latest podcast, our medical and security assistance experts Dr Chris Van Straten and Clive Gillard discuss how the country is battling the outbreak, what you can do to keep yourself and your people safe, and keep your business functioning.
Situation Update: Brazil Elections - 30 September
With the Brazil presidential election happening this weekend (2 October), is your organisation aware of the potential impact to your people in location? International SOS Director of Intelligence for the Americas, Michael Rogers is actively monitoring developments across Brazil and provides on-the-ground insights on the situation and precautions for your workforce to take to ensure their safety.
Situation Update: Crisis in Pakistan - 16 September
The monsoon season has brought on more pressure to Pakistan's existing economic problems as many cities in the country suffer from extreme floods and limited access to necessities. Louise Hogan, International SOS Security Manager and Dr Prabha Xaxa, International SOS Deputy Medical Director provide on-the-ground expert insights on the situation, its future developments and the water-borne health impacts that are on the rise.
Long COVID and its effects on your workforce -5 September
How much do we actually know about Long COVID? With all the uncertainties surrounding Long COVID, International SOS Group Medical Director of Occupational Health, Olivier Lo discuss the facts that have come to light, its effects on your workforce and how your organisation can prepare to support your employees.
Kenya Elections Situation Update - 4 August
With Kenya’s general elections taking place on 9th August, tensions are rising. International SOS Security Analyst, Salome Odhiambo provides on-the-ground insights on the lead up to the elections, the potential escalation triggers and what organisations with local operations should consider in the event of further disruptions.
Sri Lanka Situation Update - 25 July
In this Sri Lanka Situation Update, International SOS Regional Security Manager, Adhiraj Mukerji, based in Mumbai, provides insights on the developing situation, how we have been supporting our clients alongside our on-the-ground network, and the potential factors that could escalate the situation. He also discusses the important advice for organisations to consider should the situation deteriorate.
Understanding Global Health Threats and Preparing for Travel - 22 July
In this episode, International SOS Deputy Medical Director for Information and Analysis, Dr Prabha Xaxa and Public Health Coordinators, Keely Dennis and Aulia Binti Ahmad address the notable disease outbreaks across Asia, the Americas and Africa that are impacting organisations and travellers. They discuss how these disease outbreaks, alongside changing travel restrictions, has created specific precautions and tips to consider ahead of your upcoming travels.
Preparing for the hurricane season in the Americas - 5 July
What should you be doing to prepare your business for hurricane season? Joshua Dozor, International SOS Group General Manager, Assistance Operations, Americas, provides advice on how to be ready for what could be another intense series of storms, and find out how we helped an organisation when a massive hurricane hit last year.
Monkeypox situation update - 14 June
As Monkeypox cases are rising and appearing in locations where it is not historically been endemic, Dr Abraham Udoudom, Senior Medical Doctor in Nigeria and Chris Van Straten, Global Health Advisor in Johannesburg discuss the diseases origins and implications.
Special Edition - Ukraine situation update - 3 June
In this special edition of our Ukraine situation update, Mick Sharp, Group Director of Security at International SOS, reflects on the lessons learned from the first three months of the crisis, addressing the continued challenges and what may likely happen next. Deemed one of the most complex security conflicts we have supported to date, the situation in Ukraine and surrounding countries remains very dynamic as we continue to provide information, advice and assistance to our clients impacted.
Special Edition - Situation update on Monkeypox - 27 May
What do we know about the monkeypox virus and crucially, what don’t we know yet? Dr Katherine O’Reilly, Medical Director at International SOS, shares insight on how much of an emerging global health threat it is and highlights the importance of recognising signs and symptoms as well as continuing to practice good hygiene.
Special Edition - Situation update - 30 April
To discuss the impact the crisis has had on essential services including access to healthcare, Dr Ryan Copeland, Regional Medical Director of Assistance for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, reveals the current medical situation in Ukraine and surrounding countries.
Special Edition - Situation update - 20 April
To discuss the current events in Ukraine and surrounding countries, Louise Hogan, Security Manager for Eastern Europe, and Central Asia at International SOS discusses how the nature of the crisis is changing and the critical role on-the-ground intelligence plays in managing such a complex situation.
Special Edition - Situation update - 11 April
In this special edition of our Ukraine situation update podcast, Harriet Brennan, Security Manager for the UK & Ireland and Jakob Thomsen, Security Manager in Northern Europe reflect on the impact the crisis has played on organisational resilience. Both responsible for supporting our clients in managing their crisis management response, they discuss the most pertinent challenges faced thus far, the changing roles and responsibilities within a crisis management team and advice for managing the situation as it continues to evolve.
Situation update - 3 April
To discuss the current events in Ukraine and surrounding countries, James Bird, Security Director, Intelligence and Operations at International SOS discusses how we have been supporting our clients handle the crisis and addresses the potential impacts the conflict may have on business resilience and overall risk management in future.
Situation update - 14 March
To discuss the current events in Ukraine and surrounding countries, James Robertson, Security Director at International SOS and Jacob Heaton, Security Manager at MedAire discuss the most recent changes on-the-ground, their forecast for the coming week as well as their advice for organisations in managing the evolving situation.
Situation update - 7 March
To discuss the current events in Ukraine and surrounding countries, Tyler Hosford, Regional Security Manager at International SOS, joins us on-the-ground in Poland. He discusses the notable changes witnessed over the weekend, forecast for the coming week and the recommendations for organisations in managing the evolving situation.