Ottawa – Understanding how different respiratory infectious diseases, like COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), spread in our environment is important to help prevent serious negative health outcomes. Further research into how these diseases are transmitted and prevented can help inform public health measures that are timely and effective in reducing the impacts of respiratory illness on individuals and the health system.
Mark Holland, Minister of Health, announced research grants for four organizations through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Transmission Dynamics of Respiratory Infectious Diseases Research Funding Opportunity. Queen’s University, Carleton University, the Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion, and the University of Waterloo will receive funding to work on individual projects investigating the transmission dynamics of respiratory infectious diseases.
These projects will help expand our understanding of respiratory infectious diseases and inform advice for people in Canada on effective measures to prevent their spread. This information will also help prepare for future pandemic planning and response, helping people in Canada prepare for respiratory outbreaks and take the steps needed to keep themselves and others healthy.
“We have all seen how rapidly viruses like COVID-19 spread during outbreaks. As we plan for the future, it is important that we have the latest evidence-based knowledge to help prevent future outbreaks. The projects announced will help close existing knowledge gaps and identify areas where we can continue to improve to provide even better health support for people in Canada.” – Mark Holland, Minister of Health