Mitacs Accelerate Fellowship

The proposed research project focuses on understanding how to better prevent and respond to cholera outbreaks, particularly in impoverished areas lacking clean water and proper sanitation. Despite having the tools to prevent cholera, most efforts are reactive rather than proactive, meaning resources are often mobilized only after an outbreak occurs. The study will analyze the effectiveness of current cholera prevention and response strategies within the Red Cross and Red Crescent movements to identify best practices and areas needing improvement. The research will be conducted in three phases: reviewing existing documents and data, interviewing key stakeholders, and compiling the findings into advocacy case studies and a report. This work aims to help humanitarian organizations like the Red Cross prioritize future actions, ultimately leading to better preparedness and resource allocation to prevent cholera outbreaks before they happen.

The CRC, with its strong experience in public health and cholera response, will benefit from this project by enhancing its capacity to support other National Societies (NSs) affected by cholera. By combining in-country and remote support, CRC will provide expert WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) and health advisory services, strengthening these NSs’ capacities to eliminate cholera.

Faculty Supervisor:

Erin Pollock

Student:

Partner:

Canadian Red Cross (Ottawa, ON)

Discipline:

Mathematics

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Other services (except public administration)

University:

University of Alberta

Program: