Canada at the forefront of Ebola response, shares best practices with international partners

Ebola discussion dominates meeting of Global Health Security Initiative (GHSI) in Tokyo

TOKYO, Japan, Dec. 11, 2014 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, Dr. Gregory Taylor, Canada's Chief Public Health Officer, led Canada's delegation today at the Global Health Security Initiative (GHSI) in Tokyo, Japan.

As a GHSI member, Canada and other nations took part in discussions that focused on the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa. Over the course of the meeting, Canada outlined the leadership role that it has taken in the outbreak, and shared its best practices in the global Ebola response with other GHSI members.  

Moving forward, all GHSI members will collaborate to further strengthen capabilities for the rapid international deployment of Ebola medical countermeasures. This will take place through ongoing information exchange, joint research planning, and learnings with regards to experimental treatments, vaccines, and the sharing of clinical trial results. Overall, GHSI members remain committed to supporting the response to the Ebola outbreak through the provision of financial, operational, material, and technical support. Additional commitments of GHSI members are outlined through a joint Ministerial Communique, released today.  

During the visit, Dr. Taylor also took the opportunity to meet with a number of key international partners, including officials from Japan, the United Kingdom, Mexico and the World Health Organization. Dr. Taylor discussed a range of health priorities with his counterparts, including:

• Ebola response
• International efforts to address dementia and healthy ageing, and
• Actions that can strengthen long-term preparedness for and response to threats including pandemic influenza and infectious disease outbreaks, crisis recovery efforts, and the rapid detection of new threats and risks.

Quick Facts

• Canada is a leader in fighting Ebola and continues to contribute to the response of the outbreak in West Africa. The Government of Canada has committed over $110 million, to support health, humanitarian, and security interventions both at home and abroad to address Ebola.
• Canada has also offered in-kind support – such as mobile lab teams – and has donated 800 vials of Canada's experimental Ebola vaccine and personal protective equipment.
• The Government of Canada recently launched the "Join the Fight Against Ebola" campaign, which promotes the recruitment of Canadian healthcare workers through the Canadian Red Cross.   
• The GHSI was established in 2001 to strengthen global health preparedness and response to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats, as well as pandemic influenza. Its membership includes the G7 nations and Mexico, the European Commission, and the World Health Organization (WHO) as an observer. 

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is committed to protecting the health and safety of Canadians. As part of this commitment, it's important to exchange best practices and information with our global partners. The Global Health Security Initiative provides an opportunity to discuss infectious disease outbreaks or chemical and biological threats to our countries.  We know that learning from each other and strengthening our ties will facilitate global action."
Dr. Gregory Taylor
Chief Public Health Officer

"Canada continues to be a world leader in its efforts to help fight Ebola in West Africa, with considerable resources being dedicated to support health, humanitarian and security interventions. To date Canada has committed over $110 million to support these interventions deployed to address the spread of the disease. Alongside our international partners, we will continue to do our part by showing leadership at home and abroad."
Dr. Gregory Taylor
Chief Public Health Officer

Related Products

GHSI Ministerial Communique

Associated Links

Global Health Security Initiative

Fact Sheet – Ebola Virus Disease

SOURCE: Public Health Agency of Canada

Contacts: Michael Bolkenius, Office of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Federal Minister of Health, [phone]; Media Relations, Public Health Agency of Canada, [phone]; Public Inquiries: [phone], 1-866 225-0709

Related Links

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca