2. Introduction
• The world is confronted by the current pandemic of Corona
Virus Disease (COVID-19), which is a wake-up call for all
nations irrespective of their development status or
geographical location.
• Canada has been proactive and has shown its preparedness
for outbreaks of emerging and epidemic-prone diseases, and
in dealing with these pathogens.
• During the 1st wave of Covid 19, the cases started increasing
gradually and reached a daily maximum of around 12000
cases in the month of April’ 20.
3. Current Scenario
• Canada saw highest spike in corona cases on April 2021 with
20.5% increase per week
• Canada registered highest death numbers in January 2021.
• Extensive vaccination drive was conducted and as of July
second week around 44% and 70% have been fully and
partially vaccinated respectively.
• Due to vaccinations, July’ 21 reports indicate a drastic
decrease of -25.5% for both deaths and confirmed cases.
4. Canada’s Global Health Diplomacy
• The Public Health System of Canada since the begining of COVID-19 outbreak
was well prepared to address the pandemic while working with various
international partners including WHO.
• Inter-sectoral collaboration with the Public Health System of Canada resulted in
dedicated funding of $52.6 million given for 96 research teams to conduct
research in Africa and Asia to improve global health security.
• Canada has been working closely with its partners in the G7, the G20,
international financial institutions, the World Trade Organization and other
international organizations, to support global economic stability.
• Thus, emphasizing and demonstrating how collective international public health
action can build global public health security.
5. Challenges faced
• Restrictions in global economies caused lack of supply and surging
demands of essential medical items to Canada.
• Ex: U.S asked the medical supply firm 3M to stop selling N95
respirators to Canada.
• 68 countries have curbed exports of personal protective equipment
(PPE) or medicine whereas Canada has not executed any such
restriction thereby showing global solidarity towards Covid-19.
• A lack of supply and surging demands have sent prices soaring for
all the PPE as well as air cargo rates.
6. Resolutions
• To overcome scarcity of PPE and N95 masks due to US
policy, Canadian government took steps to secure
supplies from China so that healthcare workers and
vulnerable citizens are not put on risk.
• Canada has strengthened its case detection, testing,
inbound and outbound surveillance.
• Measures were taken to “flatten the curve” thereby
easing the overburdened health care infrastructure
7. Conclusion
• The recent emergence of COVID-19 poses a serious threat to
human health and is currently causing significant social and
economic disruption globally.
• There still remain certain challenges faced by Canada
especially with the extensive cross border road travelling,
dependence on road transport of goods from USA
• There have been heavy impacts on supply chains, commodity
prices and global financial markets.
• Therefore there is a strong need for collective action to
mitigate, prevent and fight against such health security threats
(now and in future) through global health diplomacy.
8. Contd
• It must be remembered that enhancing the spirit of
globalization, solidarity and recognizing the needs of
developing countries is a more humane response than
any nation pursuing a self-interested agenda which is not
likely to leave a good legacy in global health or
international relations.
9. References
• WHO Director-General’s opening remarks at the media briefing on
COVID-19 March 11, 2020. Available
at: https://www.who.int/dg/speeches/detail/who-director-general-s-
opening-remarks-at-the-media-briefing-on-covid-19%2D%2D-11-
march-2020.
• Government of Canada. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Outbreak
update. Available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-
health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html#a1.
• Kickbusch I, Silberschmidt G, Buss P. Global health diplomacy: the
need for new perspectives, strategic approaches and skills in global
health. Bull World Health Organ. 2007;85:230–2.
