The Acting Medical Officer of Health for the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit (CK Public Health) is staying around the foreseeable future.
Dr. Shanker Nesathurai has officially been appointed by Sylvia Jones, Ontario's Minister of Health.
"I am honoured to continue serving the people of Chatham-Kent," he said. "Public health is about creating conditions where every person has the opportunity to live a healthy life. This is advanced by confronting stigma, listening to communities, as well as building systems that promote dignity and equity."
He's been in the role on an acting basis since September 2023. During the nearly two years on the job, he has overseen the work done by CK Public Health which includes preventing the spread of COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and most recently the measles.
"Dr. Nesathurai has been a steadfast advocate for improving health outcomes in our community,” added Brock McGregor, Chair of the Chatham-Kent Board of Health. "The Board of Health looks forward to continuing our work alongside Dr. Nesathurai and deeply values his leadership and insight as we address the important public health challenges facing Chatham-Kent."
This is Nesathurai's third role as a Medical Officer of Health. He first held the position for Haldimand-Norfolk from 2018-2021, before joining the Windsor- Essex County Health Unit in an acting capacity.