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Public Health Ontario

The creation of Ontario’s first public health agency, Public Health Ontario (PHO) was a major achievement of Dr. Basrur during her term as Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.
Called for by many experts following the SARS outbreak, PHO is an arm's-length government agency dedicated to protecting and promoting the health of all Ontarians and reducing inequities in health.  As a hub organization, PHO links public health practitioners, front-line health workers and researchers to the best scientific intelligence and knowledge from around the world.

PHO provides expert scientific and technical support relating to infection prevention and control; surveillance and epidemiology; health promotion, chronic disease and injury prevention; environmental and occupational health; health emergency preparedness; and public health laboratory services to support health providers, the public health system and partner ministries in making informed decisions and taking informed action to improve the health and security of Ontarians. 

On March 4, 2008, in one of Dr. Basrur’s last public appearances, former Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care George Smitherman announced that the offices of the new Public Health Ontario would be named the Sheela Basrur Centre.

Public Health Ontario supports and coordinates the activities of the Sheela Basrur Centre, including planning and delivering outreach programs, organizing fundraising events, sponsor relations, supporting the Advisory Council and promoting the Centre.

For more information on Public Health Ontario, please visit www.oahpp.ca.