News
MOH concludes time with Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit
Dr. Shanker Nesathurai is concluding his service as Haldimand-Norfolk’s Medical Officer of Health as of May 21, 2021.
Dr. Nesathurai has served the region for nearly three years, a significant portion of which was spent managing the COVID-19 pandemic – work which included preventing and managing outbreaks at area nursing homes and migrant farm worker housing facilities as well as rolling out a COVID-19 vaccination program.
Dr. Nesathurai is also noted for helping the health unit advocate for enhanced programs and services to address the opioid crisis.
“I want to thank the public health staff who have worked tirelessly to keep the community safe,” says Dr. Nesathurai. “The community is lucky to be served by a group of people so committed to advancing the cause of public health.”
The health unit has had discussions with the Ministry of Health, as well as adjacent health units, regarding support and next steps, and will update the community when details are available.
The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit will continue to focus on facilitating the safe arrival of thousands of migrant workers, rolling out a COVID-19 vaccination program (led by Norfolk County Paramedic Services Chief Sarah Page), and executing a virus containment strategy targeted at new, more contagious variants of concern.
“I want to thank Dr. Nesathurai for his hard work and leadership through this incredibly difficult time,” says Norfolk County Mayor Kristal Chopp, chair of the Board of Health. “His insight and guidance has been extremely valuable to the leadership of both Haldimand and Norfolk counties, and we wish him all the best as he winds down his time with the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit.”