April 21, 2020

In these uncertain and unpredictable times, we at the Canadian Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases, hope that you, your family and your colleagues are all keeping well and healthy. 

We extend our gratitude to all of you who are dealing with COVID-19 as front-line healthcare workers, researchers, public health workers and  essential service workers.  Thank you for your commitment and dedication and for working day and night through this pandemic.  
 
Globally, the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) community is also dealing with the impact of COVID-19.  The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued interim guidance for implementation of NTD programmes which includes the suspension of mass drug administration programmes for the time being.  Amidst this crisis, we applaud the drive for research and innovation and we look forward to seeing how NTD expertise, innovation and knowledge will be applied to the COVID-19 response. This pandemic has highlighted the need for strong health systems globally and this is one of the key components of the new WHO NTD Roadmap which will now be launched virtually in June. We will learn for many years to come about the public health response to this pandemic. We hope that these experiences will be applied to ensure that health systems are more adaptable and resilient in the future. This can only help us in our goals to eliminate, control and eradicate NTDs. For more information, please see Uniting to Combat NTDs' statement about COVID-19.
 
As we all adapt to new realities that impact our lives at work and at home, meetings of the CNNTD will take place on a virtual platform until further notice.  Please continue to communicate with us by email (can.ntds@gmail.com).  Many of you will already be aware of Canadian and international events and meetings that are being postponed or moving to a virtual format.  We will keep an updated list on the News and Events section of our web site.
 

We are grateful for your ongoing interest in NTDs. We would encourage you at this time to talk to your fellow Canadians about the importance of global health. This pandemic has shown how connected the world is. This should strengthen our resolve to continue our efforts and commitment to the NTDs.

We would like to introduce and welcome our new Advocacy and Policy Officer, Amy Davis, who joined the CNNTD team on April 20th!
 
Amy has over eight years’ experience in the public service and the not-for-profit sector. Since moving to Canada from New Zealand, Amy has been working with an independent Canadian public policy advocacy organization as a policy lead. Amy is experienced in developing social service programs and implementing operational policy projects. She enjoys working closely with different organizations to tackle problems and communicate solutions.  Amy is really looking forward to get to know the network over the coming months and we look forward to working with her.
 
Amy will replace Mary Ellen Sellers, who has accepted a position at Bruyere Research Institute in Ottawa. 
 
Mary Ellen writes:“I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with the CNNTD since September 2018.  During the past 18 months, I have learned so much about NTDs and the progress that is being made to control these diseases wherever they exist.  To all those who are engaged in this life-changing work, thank you for your hard work and perseverance.  With the CNNTD, I have also had the pleasure of working with amazing Canadian global health professionals from a broad range of organizations and backgrounds.  Thank you for your commitment to making positive changes in the lives of people in Canada and around the world.  You and your colleagues are shining examples of Canadian expertise and compassion at its best.”
  
Thank you Mary Ellen for your support and commitment!