Noni Macdonald

Professor Noni MacDonald is a Professor Emeritus of Paediatrics (Infectious Diseases) at Dalhousie University, specializing in global health, vaccinology, and pediatric infectious diseases. She has made significant contributions to vaccine safety, hesitancy, pain mitigation, and public health policy, shaping immunization strategies worldwide.

MacDonald was the first female Dean of Medicine in Canada, serving at Dalhousie University from 1999 to 2004. She has been a consultant for the World Health Organization (WHO) for over two decades, contributing to the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) and the Global Vaccine Action Plan. Her research focuses on vaccine communication, addressing misinformation, and improving vaccine acceptance.

She co-founded the Canadian Center for Vaccinology (CCfV) in 2004, which evaluates vaccine technologies and trains experts in infectious diseases and global health. MacDonald has authored over 500 scholarly publications, advancing knowledge in disease prevention, immunization, and public health. Her work has been cited more than 12,000 times, reflecting her impact on global health research.

Beyond academia, MacDonald is committed to community-focused research, co-founding MicroResearch, an initiative that supports interdisciplinary health professionals in finding local solutions for maternal and child health challenges. She has mentored over 1,400 trainees and launched more than 140 research projects through this program.

Her contributions extend to infectious disease prevention, pediatric health, and vaccine policy, influencing healthcare strategies worldwide. She has worked on cystic fibrosis microbiology, sexually transmitted infections in adolescents, and vaccine development for infectious diseases. Her expertise has been instrumental in shaping global immunization policies, ensuring equitable access to vaccines.

MacDonald has received numerous honors, including the Order of Nova Scotia and the Order of Canada, recognizing her dedication to improving healthcare for children and communities. She continues to advocate for evidence-based healthcare solutions, addressing vaccine hesitancy and misinformation through research and policy development.

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