A general view of the children's COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Sunday, December 12, 2021.A new non-profit group called the Canadian Covid Society launched Wednesday. The founders are two ER doctors, an engineer, a physicist and a governance expert. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
A new national non-profit organization named the Canadian Covid Society was launched on Wednesday, with its co-founders stressing the necessity for such an entity as public health agencies have scaled back COVID-19 prevention measures and awareness campaigns.
Dr. Joe Vipond, one of the society's five co-founders, expressed during a news conference that they perceive a void left by public health in addressing COVID-19, particularly in his home province of Alberta, where he practices as an emergency physician in Calgary.
The Canadian Covid Society's website underscores the persistent impact of COVID-19, noting it as the third leading cause of death in Canada in 2022, following heart disease and cancer.
Dr. Kashif Pirzada, another co-founder and emergency physician based in Toronto, emphasized the ongoing strain the virus imposes on the healthcare system and its contribution to adverse health outcomes.
However, as many Canadians aim to move beyond the pandemic, public health agencies find themselves in a challenging position, balancing medical imperatives with public sentiment, Pirzada observed.
The society's objective, as outlined in a presentation at the news conference, is to educate, engage, and empower the public and organizations with scientific knowledge to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 and long COVID. It also aims to support individuals suffering from long COVID, estimated at 2.1 million people in the country.
The founding team comprises professionals from diverse backgrounds, including physics, engineering, and governance, reflecting a comprehensive approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by the pandemic.
The establishment of the Canadian Covid Society formalizes the grassroots efforts undertaken throughout the pandemic and lays the groundwork for sustained initiatives, Vipond noted.
The organization anticipates securing funding through donations and grants to support its operational needs, having received no government funding thus far.
In response to inquiries from The Canadian Press, government representatives emphasized ongoing efforts to strengthen public health systems and respond to healthcare needs amid the endemic phase of COVID-19. They encouraged individuals to consult healthcare providers for COVID-19-related concerns.
