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OTTAWA/IQALUIT – July 21, 2025 — An innovative dermatology clinic initiative in Iqaluit is improving access to specialized care for Indigenous communities across Nunavut. Operating as a partnership between The Ottawa Hospital (TOH) and Qikiqtani General Hospital (QGH), the clinic brings Ottawa-based dermatologists to Iqaluit three times a year to deliver specialized care to residents from across the territory. Enhanced support services for select conditions have also led to better patient outcomes.  

Most recently, a clinic was underway from July 14–18. Over the past two years, the program has expanded its services to include extended hours and the development of virtual care options.

Each clinic serves 90–120 patients, many of whom travel from remote communities, sometimes requiring up to two flights to access care. The clinic addresses various dermatological conditions, including severe atopic dermatitis (AD), which shows higher prevalence in northern Indigenous populations.

“This integrated clinic reflects The Ottawa Hospital’s commitment to improving access to specialized care for communities across Nunavut. Through our partnership with Qikiqtani General Hospital, we’re able to bring expert care directly to patients in the region, without the need for patients to travel long distances,” said Dr. Mark Kirchhof, Division Head of Dermatology, The Ottawa Hospital. “With enhanced supports in place, we’re also seeing improved outcomes, including a significant increase in treatment adherence for conditions like atopic dermatitis.”

“For many patients in Nunavut, accessing specialized care means travelling long distances. This clinic, in partnership with The Ottawa Hospital, brings expert dermatology care closer to home and improves access,” said Dr. Francois deWet, Chief of Staff, Qikiqtani General Hospital. “By combining specialty treatment, local provider training, and patient support, we are seeing better patient outcomes and stronger continuity of care tailored to community needs.”

Enhanced support services for patients with AD have helped improve treatment adherence, with 95 per cent of patients now following treatment regimens, up from 70 per cent.

“Atopic dermatitis is more than just a skin condition; it’s a chronic disease that can significantly impact quality of life, especially in severe cases,” said Molly Fairbairn, Immunology Medical Head, Sanofi Canada. “The higher prevalence and severity of AD in northern Indigenous populations due to genetic factors and climate conditions makes specialized care essential in these communities.”

The program’s success stems from its multifaceted approach:

• Specialized dermatology care in a community setting
• Education for local health-care providers
• Patient support nurses for select conditions to assist with treatment adherence
• Collaboration with local pharmacies for reliable medication delivery
• Upcoming virtual care to provide continuous support between visits

About The Ottawa Hospital

The Ottawa Hospital (TOH) is one of Canada’s top learning and research hospitals where we are guided by our vision to provide the world-class and compassionate care we would all want for our loved ones. Our multi-campus hospital, affiliated with the University of Ottawa, is home to the Regional Trauma Centre and Cancer Centre, and to discoveries that are adopted globally.

Backed by generous support from the community, we are focused on reshaping the future of health care to improve the health of our diverse population of patients from Eastern Ontario, Western Quebec, and Nunavut. 

For more information about The Ottawa Hospital, visit OttawaHospital.on.ca. 

About Sanofi

Sanofi is an R&D-driven, AI-powered biopharma company committed to improving people’s lives and delivering compelling growth. We apply our deep understanding of the immune system to invent medicines and vaccines that treat and protect millions of people around the world, with an innovative pipeline that could benefit millions more. Our team is guided by one purpose: we chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives; this inspires us to drive progress and deliver positive impact for our people and the communities we serve, by addressing the most urgent healthcare, environmental, and societal challenges of our time.

In Canada, we employ over 2,000 people and invest 20% of our revenue annually in biopharma research, representing $1.2 billion CAD in R&D over the last decade, creating jobs, business, and opportunity throughout the country. We are the largest biomanufacturing facility in Canada and are on track to deliver over $2 billion in new infrastructure investments by 2028, including two new vaccine manufacturing facilities at our Toronto Campus. For more than 110 years, we have been working in collaborative partnerships with a vast network of healthcare stakeholders and are committed to creating a healthier future in Canada.   

Media Contacts

The Ottawa Hospital

Rebecca Abelson
rabelson@toh.ca
343-576-0259

Sanofi

Bethany Rubin
Bethany.rubin@sanofi.com
437-518-4769