The John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award is a specific recognition given to exceptional researchers who have, through their work, addressed health inequities across the globe to improve the health and well-being of those who experience them.
“Recognizing that this was really something special in Canada but also allowing us to develop this new award, the Global Health Award,” said Rossant, “It’s really become one of the most prestigious global health awards in the world.”
The Global Health Award can be received by anyone from any country, just so long as their work makes a significant impact on world health inequities.
Dr. Kang is this year’s award winner, and while she’s honoured to receive it, she believes it’s not just for her.
“Obviously, it’s an honour, but I don’t think it’s for me so much as it is highlighting the importance of the field in which we work,” she said. “That public health really does matter. That diarrhea, even though it’s so common, is a disease that we haven’t fully addressed yet.”
Dr. Gagandeep Kang, the diarrhea doctor
Dr. Kang got into medicine to address a problem that wasn’t getting enough attention in the developing world: diarrhea. For many, this gastrointestinal distress is a quickly passing ailment that’s remedied with some rest and fluids, medication from the local pharmacy, and eating particular foods. After it subsides, people return to their daily lives completely unscathed.