Lecture: Innovation and Japan's Contribution to Global Health
On November 17th, prominent Japanese scientist Dr. Kiyoshi Kurokawa led a panel discussion on Innovation and Japan’s contribution to Global Health at the University of Ottawa. Nearly 50 guests attended including students, academia and representatives from the Global Affairs Canada, Statistics Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada and the International Development Research Centre.
Dr. Kurokawa is a leading expert in global health having served as an executive member of many national and international professional societies and research institutions including serving as Commissioner of the WHO Commission for Social Determinants of Health.
Dr. Kurokawa was joined by Dr. Amir Attaran, Professor of Health Economics and Global Health and Canada Research Chair in Law, Population Health and Global Development Policy and Ms. Janet Hatcher Roberts, Co-Director, WHO Collaborating Centre for Knowledge Translation and Health. Dr. Sanni Yaya, Associate Professor of Health Economics and Global Health at the School of International Development and Global Studies, served as chair.
The Embassy’s Charge d'Affaires ad interim Minister Karube opened the event by highlighting Japan’s contribution towards the amelioration of global public health and the eradication of infectious diseases, notably the creation of the Global Health Innovative Technology Fund. Dr. Lauchlan Munro, Director of the School of International Development and Global Studies also made opening remarks and introduced the panel for the evening.
After giving individual presentations, the three panellists engaged in a lively discussion on various issues facing global health. Afterwards, they answered questions from the audience touching on diverse topics such as obesity, pharmaceutical patents, research funding and the role of women in global health.
Following the lecture, guests were treated to a small cocktail reception during which the speakers and guests were able to continue the discussion over sushi and sake.
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