Public Health
Public Health
The Public Health Branch provides direction and leadership throughout Nunavut regarding the core functions of public health, which include population health assessment, health surveillance, health promotion, disease and injury prevention, health protection and management of public health emergencies. Public Health uses strategies and approaches that combine education and skill building, social policy, inter-sectoral partnership and collaboration, regulation, and community development.
Chief Medical Officer of Health
The Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) provides leadership and expertise to population health and health protection programs. The CMOH also establishes and maintains public health standards and best practices as well as advocating for the preservation and improvement of the health of Nunavummiut.
Health Protection
The Health Protection unit works to protect public health and safety. The unit works to prevent and control the spread of communicable diseases by providing immunizations, health education and counseling; investigating outbreaks; and providing follow-up on reportable diseases. Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) inspect and monitor activities and premises that may affect the public’s health. They advise, inspect, and educate operators of public places like restaurants, daycares, swimming pools, rental properties, and personal service establishments about safe practices that protect the public. Additionally, EHOs protect Nunavummiut from potential rabies exposure, zoonotic disease, and other health risks linked to unsafe drinking water, unsafe housing, and other unsafe conditions in the environment. The emphasis of this unit is to work specifically with the public in ensuring their health and safety.
Population Health
Population health supports individuals, groups, and communities to obtain knowledge, skills, and control over decision-making, advocacy, and community mobilization of resources to achieve population health and wellness. The program provides for direct involvement and partnerships of stakeholders in matters pertaining to the delivery of public health programs including: tobacco reduction, food security, school health, maternal and child health, chronic disease and injury prevention, mental wellness, and active living. This program also administers a variety of federally funded health enhancement programs and initiatives