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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics

@uoftpandemics.bsky.social
4.8K followers 103 following 332 posts

Transforming the future of public health emergency research through interdisciplinary collaboration, building capacity, and driving action.

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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 18h
What does it take to turn evidence into public policy? Dr. Howard Njoo discusses the difference between evidence-based and evidence-informed decision-making during a health emergency. ▶️ Watch the full session: bit.ly/4yUXcIg
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Flu season is around the corner. Experts from public health, health care and pharmacy share why vaccination still matters, how it can help prevent severe illness, and what you can do to protect yourself and your community this season. 💉 🔗 bit.ly/4h6naCD #FluSeason #PublicHealth #FluVaccine
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
🛡️ As flu season approaches, air filtration remains an important layer of protection against infectious diseases. IHEP member Jeff Siegel @engineering.utoronto.ca) explains how high-efficiency air filtration can help reduce airborne pathogens in shared indoor spaces.
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
When people hear the word "governance," they may think of policies and procedures. Quinn Grundy @uoftnursing.bsky.social explains why good governance is a critical foundation for emergency preparedness and response. 📺 Watch the full session: bit.ly/4iqH38F
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
IHEP members Sharmistha Mishra, Sharon Straus and Michelle Murti are featured in UofTMed Magazine, discussing how wastewater surveillance is helping communities monitor infectious diseases, inform public health action and strengthen preparedness. bit.ly/3UJdjtU
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Reposted by Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics
One Health U of Guelph @onehealthuofg.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
TOMORROW! The next @WHO EPI-WIN webinar is Wed., Sept. 16, 7:30 am EDT. This webinar will explore practical experiences gained from pandemic preparedness initiatives, with lessons learned on translating investments into stronger preparedness systems: bit.ly/4hgPZw5
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WHO Health Emergencies EPI-WIN webinar: Strengthening pandemic preparedness: from investment to implementation and impact
Pandemic prevention, preparedness and response (PPR) requires sustained investment to build and maintain the capacities needed to detect, prevent and respond to health emergencies. This webinar will e...
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Congratulations to IHEP members Fahad Razak and András Tilcsik on being appointed to @src-rsc.bsky.social's College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists! www.utoronto.ca/celebrates/s...
utoronto.ca
Six faculty members named to Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists
Six faculty members from the University of Toronto have been appointed to the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists.The college recognizes members of the emerging g...
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
📬 Stay connected with the Institute! Sign up for our listserv to receive newsletters, event announcements, and updates. Join here: bit.ly/4qfQx7C
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Reposted by Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics
UofT-TCAIREM @uoft-tcairem.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Can you turn #health data into solutions? Join @uoft-tcairem.bsky.social 2026 National Health #Datathon and team up to tackle real-world health challenges using #AI and #data! 📅 Oct. 2–3 📍 Hybrid ⏳ Register by Sept. 25 🔗 tcairem.utoronto.ca/news/registr... #AIinMedicine #DataScience
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
IHEP member @dzevela.bsky.social explains why human expertise must remain at the centre of AI-powered tools developed to support public health decision-making. The project was a collaboration between @uoftdlsph.bsky.social and Toronto Public Health. 🎥 Watch: bit.ly/4wv4zVv
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
How can we ensure the next health emergency doesn't widen existing inequities? Dr. Fahad Razak discusses how digital data could help improve access to innovation and interventions for populations often left behind during crises. ▶️ Watch the full session: youtu.be/XrSxNyj9d5U?...
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Reposted by Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics
UofT-TCAIREM @uoft-tcairem.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
🚀 Registration open for UofT-TCAIREM's fully accredited intro to #AI course for #clinicians! ⏳ Register by Oct. 8, 2026 📅 Course dates: Oct. 17-18 💻 Virtual 🔗 ow.ly/7mWR50ZFI8m #AIhealth #AI #HealthAI #MedTech #healthcare #MedEd #DoctorLife
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
📚 As students head back to school, indoor air quality can help support healthier classrooms. In this video, Sarah Haines @civmin.bsky.social shares practical evidence-informed steps schools can take to improve air filtration & reduce airborne particles indoors. @utoronto.ca @engineering.utoronto.ca
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
For people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the effects of COVID-19 may extend beyond the initial recovery period. Read the new publication by IHEP members Joseph Munn, Peter Austin, Clare Atzema, Candace McNaughton and Andrea Gershon. 🔗https://bit.ly/4qLYvqd
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
A recent study by IHEP member @dfisman.bsky.social, @uoftdlsph.bsky.social, & co-authors found that while COVID-19 infections rose sharply across all groups during the Omicron period, racialized individuals in Canada continued to experience higher SARS-CoV-2 infection risk. 🔗 bit.ly/4wGRCaZ
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
How can AI support preparedness for large-scale events? Zahra explains how online signals can help identify potential public health concerns and support a more proactive approach to preparedness. 🎥 Watch: youtu.be/fJqHLpnUyA0
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
When systems are inconsistent, people rely on relationships. Chavon Niles, @uoftmedicine.bsky.social, reflects on the role of family, community networks and trusted relationships during times of uncertainty. ▶️ Watch the full session: bit.ly/3Sp8pkW
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Reposted by Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics
Amesh Adalja @ameshaa.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
In this TV interview I discuss some myths and facts about COVID-19
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Already following us here? We'd love to connect with you on LinkedIn as well. Follow the Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics: 🔗 bit.ly/4qjlEQy
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https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/institute-of-health-emergencies-and-pandemics
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Transparency can't be built during a crisis. Quinn Grundy @uoftnursing.bsky.social discusses why it needs to be embedded in policies and decision-making processes long before the next emergency. ▶️ Watch the full session: youtu.be/KDszxlog860?...
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Session 2: Transforming policy to enhance emergency preparedness and response
YouTube video by Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Can air filtration help reduce the spread of infectious diseases? IHEP member Jeffrey Siegel and co-author Chun Chen examine the challenges and opportunities in using air filtration to help reduce airborne infectious disease transmission. 🔗 bit.ly/4wfEmKb
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
IHEP member @dzevela.bsky.social explains why human expertise must remain at the centre of AI-powered tools developed to support public health decision-making. The project was a collaboration between @uoftdlsph.bsky.social and Toronto Public Health. 🎥 Watch: bit.ly/4wv4zVv
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
How is Long COVID disproportionately impacting racialized immigrants? Funded by an IHEP catalyst grant, members @maddymant.bsky.social and Kathi Wilson argue that Long COVID is not just a health issue; it’s also shaped by racism, poverty, precarious work, and policy gaps. 🔗https://bit.ly/4x9NPEp
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Could AI help us prepare for health emergencies before they happen? Mohammad discusses how AI could help identify emerging health risks earlier and support preparedness. The project was led by IHEP member @dzevela.bsky.social in collaboration with Toronto Public Health. 📺: youtu.be/fJqHLpnUyA0
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Are organizations preparing for the next crisis, or the last one? András Tilcsik @rotmanschool.bsky.social explains why learning from past failures doesn't always translate into preparedness for future challenges. ▶️ Watch the full session: youtu.be/KDszxlog860?...
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Wildfire emergencies are increasing in frequency, duration and intensity, and so are their health impacts. New research co-authored by IHEP member Dr. Michelle Murti (Toronto Public Health) highlights key health effects and offers guidance for primary care providers. 🔗 Read more: bit.ly/4eRgbgf
Thick smoke rises through a dense forest with bright orange embers visible among the trees.
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
CTV News spotlight MaaTRx, a University of Toronto innovation with roots in research at the Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics. 🔗 Read the feature: bit.ly/4wxnD6a #AI #DrugShortages #HealthSystems #HealthInnovation #CanadaHealth #HealthTech @pharmacy.utoronto.ca
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This new AI platform will tell your pharmacist when your meds are running low
For hospitals, a chemotherapy drug shortage can mean an impossible scramble of tough choices: find more supply, delay treatments or switch a patient to another regimen. This time, the warning came…
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
AI can accelerate data analysis during health emergencies but human expertise remains essential. Daniel Barnett discusses the risks of AI "hallucinations" and why expert judgment still matters. ▶️ Watch more: youtu.be/Awdm-Uc2QPU @johnshopkinssph.bsky.social @johnshopkinsehe.bsky.social
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
📢Already following us here? We'd love to connect with you on LinkedIn as well. Follow the Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics: 🔗 www.linkedin.com/showcase/ins...
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics | LinkedIn
Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics | 1,898 followers on LinkedIn. Transforming the future of public health emergency research, through interdisciplinary collaboration, building capacity, ...
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
What if we knew more about the buildings we spend time in? Jeff Siegel @engineering.utoronto.ca explains why a "census of buildings" could help inform ventilation and filtration strategies during future health emergencies. ▶️ Watch the full session: bit.ly/3R4CA0d
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
This #WorldAIDay, we're featuring the work of IHEP member @dzevela.bsky.social and collaborators at @uoftdlsph.bsky.social and Toronto Public Health, exploring how AI could support public health emergency preparedness. 🎥 Watch: youtu.be/fJqHLpnUyA0 #HealthEmergencies @ihpmeuoft.bsky.social
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
📬 Stay connected with the Institute! Sign up for our listserv to receive newsletters, event announcements, and updates. Join here: bit.ly/4qfQx7C
Dark blue graphic promoting the U of T Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics mailing list, with an envelope icon, “Stay connected with the Institute,” a “Subscribe Now” button, and the URL pandemics.utoronto.ca/mailing-list/.
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
"Infectious diseases don't operate in a vacuum." Alison Hill @artsci.utoronto.ca explains why understanding human behaviour is essential for improving disease models and informing policy decisions. ▶️ Watch the full session: youtu.be/XrSxNyj9d5U?...
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Featured by @utoronto.ca , MaaTRx, developed by IHEP member Mina Tadrous and @pharmacy.utoronto.ca alum Shanzeh Chaudhry, helps health systems anticipate and respond to drug shortages through real-time data and predictive analytics. 📰 Read more: bit.ly/4wtnvnU
Two photos, one of Mina Tadrous on the left and the other of Shanzeh Chaudhry on the right, both wearing blazers and smiling at the camera.
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
VITAL, co-led by IHEP members Fahad Razak and Amol Verma, has received $100 million in federal support to expand its national health data platform across Canada. 🔗 Read more: www.utoronto.ca/news/health-...
utoronto.ca
Health data initiative led by Unity Health, U of T researchers to expand across Canada with $100‑million in federal support
A hospital data-sharing platform founded by researchers at Unity Health Toronto and the University of Toronto will receive $100 million in new federal investment to expand across Canada.
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Last week's heat wave led to 39 heat-related ER visits in Toronto, according to CBC News. Sara Allin @ihpmeuoft.bsky.social explains how extreme heat can strain health systems, exposing gaps in coordination and capacity. 🔗 Read the CBC article: bit.ly/4f2B7PP
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Reposted by Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics
University of Toronto @utoronto.ca · 24/06/2026
#UofT startup builds early-warning system for drug shortages ⚕️ uoft.me/cvc
Mina Tadrous (L) and Shanzeh Chaudhry (supplied images)
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
How can policy and governance improve emergency preparedness? Watch this session from the 2026 IHEP Symposium, on strengthening coordination, accountability and response systems. 🔗 youtu.be/KDszxlog860?...
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Session 2: Transforming policy to enhance emergency preparedness and response
YouTube video by Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
📘 New research from IHEP member Karen Chapple suggests the revival of neighbourhood commercial districts is being driven less by remote work and more by population growth, new housing and the presence of essential workers. 🔗 Read the paper: www.ingentaconnect.com/contentone/a...
Aerial view of Toronto area at dusk, showing a busy north–south roadway lined with shops, homes and mid-rise buildings. Vehicle headlights and traffic signals illuminate the street as it stretches toward the horizon, surrounded by tree-filled neighbourhoods under a cloudy evening sky.
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Drug shortages have become a steady pressure point in Canada’s health system. MaaTRx, a new @UofT platform, uses real‑time data and AI to flag drug shortage risks early, helping health leaders act sooner. 🔗 Read more: www.utoronto.ca/news/u-t-sta...
utoronto.ca
U of T startup builds early-warning system for drug shortages
An early-warning tool developed by researchers at the University of Toronto helps predict and manage drug shortages by giving Canadian health leaders more visibility into the risks before it’s too lat...
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
This International Women In Engineering Day we’re highlighting Sarah Haines (@civmin.bsky.social). In this video she shares practical guidance to help schools improve indoor air quality and reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. Watch ▶️ #IndoorAirQuality #INWED26 @utoronto.ca
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
New NFRF funding will support PROOF-Health, a project led by Zahra Shakeri @uoftdlsph.bsky.social to identify harmful health misinformation earlier. 🔗: pandemics.utoronto.ca/ihep-support...
pandemics.utoronto.ca
New PROOF-Health Project to Combat Misinformation
An interdisciplinary team has secured NFRF Exploration funding for PROOF-Health, a brand-new project launching to identify and stop dangerous health claims.
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
📘 IHEP-supported research led by Tanya Titchkosky @oiseuoft.bsky.social finds that public health communication often treats disability as disease-like, rather than addressing disabled people as a community. 🔗 Read the article: bit.ly/4dVWQZk
Graphic announcing a new publication titled “Unboxing disability communication” with authors Aparna Raghu Menon and Tanya Titchkosky, alongside an image of labelled archival storage boxes on shelves.
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
🏥 Health systems are put to the test during public health emergencies. IHEP member Sara Allin @ihpmeuoft.bsky.social explains how crises drive surges in demand, expose system gaps, & how stronger coordination & capacity lead to better outcomes. ▶️ Watch the video @utoronto.ca @uoftdlsph.bsky.social
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
How do we rebuild public trust in health crises? 📺️ Watch this session featuring researchers and community leaders ⬇️ youtu.be/LjJluaYjq6s?...
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Session 3: Examining public trust (?) and community resilience during health crises
This session explored how public trust has been strained during recent health crises and focuses on what it means to rebuild that trust through partnership with communities. Short presentations…
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
How can countries like Canada shape the future of health AI, while protecting data sovereignty? IHEP members Fahad Razak & Amol Verma @uoftmedicine.bsky.social co-author a new @bmj.com editorial on how “middle powers” can collaborate on health data & AI. 🔗 doi.org/10.1136/bmj-...
doi.org
Middle powers must collaborate on health data and health AI
New partnerships could improve datasets, protect sovereignty, and provide better patient care In his address at the 2026 World Economic Forum, the Canadian prime minister, Mark Carney, described a r...
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
As the current Ebola outbreak unfolds, it highlights a growing reality: health emergencies don’t happen in isolation. In the DRC, outbreaks are unfolding amid conflict, displacement and fragile systems, what experts call a "polycrisis". 🔗 Read more: pandemics.utoronto.ca/ebola-and-th...
Four photographs showing aspects of a polycrisis: a handheld infrared thermometer checking a person’s temperature; a healthcare worker putting on protective gear including a face shield and mask; a camp; and a burial team in full protective suits preparing a grave in a rural setting.
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
🎓 IHEP graduate student awardee Kuganya Nirmalarajah crossed the convocation stage as the first in her family to earn both an undergraduate degree and a PhD. 🔗 Read the story: bit.ly/43tb4fg @uoftmedicine.bsky.social
Kuganya is wearing a graduation robe, holding flowers and a framed certificate, whilst smiling at the camera. In the background, out of focus, are trees and the CN tower.
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
IHEP member Dr. Michelle Murti (Toronto PublicHealth) is featured on CityNews discussing how Toronto is preparing to protect public health during the World Cup. Emphasizing preparedness & strengthened surveillance systems. ▶️ Watch the interview: bit.ly/4g81u95
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Toronto's plan to protect public health during World Cup
Toronto's Medical Officer of Health Dr. Michelle Murti breaks down how the city is preparing for the World Cup for the potential spread of infections.
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
What’s missing from our health emergency data systems? Experts speaking at the IHEP symposium break down what needs to change, from real-time data to drug supply visibility. ▶️ Watch now:
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Session 1: Data‑driven innovations for health emergencies: what’s missing, what’s next
This session explored how data and innovation can strengthen preparedness for future public health emergencies by harnessing data, modelling, and innovative systems solutions. Speakers spoke about…
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