January 19, 2007
For immediate release

News Release

Federal Health Minister Tony Clement Participates in Opening of International Infectious Disease Centre

Nairobi, Kenya - Health Minister Tony Clement today participated in the opening of the International Infectious Disease Centre in Nairobi, Kenya. The opening of the Centre is the latest example of Canada's public health contributions to Africa.

“Canada understands the importance of providing assistance internationally to fight against infectious diseases and strengthen the global health system,” said Minister Clement. “The work done at this new centre will help to protect the health of people in Africa, in Canada and ultimately, around the world.”

The International Infectious Disease Centre is a result of a long-time partnership between the University of Manitoba and the University of Nairobi, as well as private sector and governmental collaboration. It will provide researchers in Canada and in partnering countries with a state-of-the-art facility to conduct research, develop capacity to respond to infectious disease outbreaks, and to promote global public health.

Through the National Microbiology Laboratory, the Public Health Agency of Canada has contributed expertise and equipment to the design and commissioning of the facility. Experts from the National Microbiology Laboratory will be developing a field research program related to viral hemorrhagic fevers to complement the projects at the Centre.

The Public Health Agency of Canada, since its inception, has been active in Africa through various initiatives. Most recently, the Agency responded to the World Health Organization's Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network request to provide technical assistance with a Rift Valley fever outbreak in Kenya. Furthermore, almost two years ago, a team of experts were also deployed to Angola to assist in a Marburg hemorrhagic fever outbreak for which a vaccine is currently being developed.

In addition to the creation of the International Infectious Disease Centre, the Public Health Agency of Canada is committed to other projects to improve global public health.

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Media Inquiries:
Erik Waddell
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200

Alain Desroches
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 948-7970

Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991