Canada: Infection & immunity focus

Canada: Focus on Infection & Immunity

© Akeksandr Berdyugin

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research, part of the Government of Canada, has an Institute for Infection and Immunity. Here we get a taste of what they are doing

The Institute of Infection and Immunity (III), part of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), is concerned with building research capacities in the areas of the body’s immune system and infectious diseases. The institute is part of the Canadian government and researchers there focus on a variety of health issues related to immunity and infection, such as public policy health promotion, disease prevention and treatment, and disease mechanisms. (1)

At this point it should be noted that the institute is one of the 13 virtual institutes of the CIHR. Certainly, a global network of stakeholders, researchers, and partners plays a vital role in disseminating and generating details about immunity and infectious diseases. However, the institute has an outstanding leadership role in the field of infectious diseases in Canada itself. Part of their work along these lines is to support efforts to “coordinate Canada’s rapid research response to infectious disease outbreaks, particularly those caused by new, emerging pathogens.”

In terms of mission and value, we understand that while the Institute is keen to advance new research in infection and immunity research, the global burden of infections and immune-based diseases is strong, consistent with its approach based on the CIHR’s core values seeks to lower collaboration, excellence, scientific integrity and ethics, and innovation and public interest.

The institute is a community of many individuals worldwide who share a common interest in infection and immunity problems. (2) Dr. For example, Charu Kaushic is Professor of Pathology and Molecular Medicine at McMaster University. As the institute’s scientific director, she decides where CIHR invests at home and abroad. She also represents CIHR and the Government of Canada at several national and international forums on infectious diseases. She chairs the Global Research Collaboration for Infectious Disease Preparedness (GloPID-R), a consortium of donors interested in research into emergency response and pandemic preparedness.

As a member of the Executive Committee of the COVID-19 Immunity Task Force, Kaushic is involved in delivering a coordinated sero-survey agenda to establish public health measures and works closely with partners in SARS-CoV-2 vaccine surveillance across Canada. It’s worth reading her bio to learn more, but it’s interesting to note that she is committed to women’s reproductive health and choice, and encourages women to pursue careers and leadership positions in STEM areas. (3)

Promoting Justice, Diversity and Inclusion

That leads us to breaking news in support of Justice, Diversity and Inclusion and others affected by COVID-19. CIHR is extending the submission deadline for the CIHR-CEPI Leadership Award for Excellence in Vaccine Research for Infectious Diseases of Epidemic Potential until July 9, 2021, as we learn. This gives women, men, racist scientists, and others affected by COVID-19 extra time to apply. When processing the applications, CIHR noted a lack of gender equality and diversity and expanded its considerations.

“It is widely recognized that the effects of COVID-19 will be exacerbated, especially for women, parents of young children, and racialized scientists, resulting in a disproportionate impact that limits these applicants’ ability to apply for grant competitions. The CIHR has therefore decided to reopen this funding opportunity and to extend the deadline so that a larger and more diverse group of applicants can apply. “

It should be noted that the extension does not in any way reflect the quality of the applications, but takes into account the current reality of competing priorities and obligations of people in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. (4)

Vaccination in Canada

Following the National Immunization Week (April 24-30), Kaushic explains what has been learned from developing COVID-19 vaccines. The amazing speed with which they were developed and their high effectiveness in protecting against serious diseases have been noted, and this shows how research can help find a way out of the most difficult of challenges.

“At this point it is clear that rapid deployment and innovation in vaccines to combat SARS-CoV-2 variants will be the strategy to exit this pandemic. Despite the speed at which COVID-19 vaccines have been developed, let’s not forget the decades of research that went into preparing the platforms and making no compromises on their safety. For scientists, this success has put the focus again on combating vaccines against other challenging diseases such as HIV-1 and tuberculosis. “

Kaushic also discusses why some people refuse to get vaccinated, pointing out that studies show that while only a minority of people are against the vaccine, a much larger proportion of the population is “reluctant to vaccinate” is. “These people have questions and want more evidence that vaccines are safe and protect them and their loved ones. We need to respect these people’s needs, answer their questions, and give them the evidence they are looking for. Involving community leaders in culturally appropriate discussions can help calm people down and change their minds, ”explains Kaushic. (5)

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source https://dailyhealthynews.ca/canada-infection-immunity-focus/