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BCG research in Canada began with Professor Beaudoin at the University of Montreal. |
Canadians first became interested in B.C.G. Vaccine in 1925, when, following Calmette’s report, the Canadian National Research Council appointed a Committee to investigate the harmlessness and effectiveness of the vaccine. The work was entrusted to the University of Montreal, under the direction of Professor J. A. Beaudoin, and a most favourable report was issued the following year. It gradually came into use as a preventive measure throughout Canada, and in the following years there was a vast international campaign sponsored by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), and directed by the World Health Organization. As a result of this global campaign, literally millions were given the benefit of the protection which BCG confers. The passion with which Canadian researchers dove into the use of BCG--despite the reluctance of other nations in the early years--is to be commended. Results from the experimental use of BCG by pioneers such as Armond Frappier and R.G. Ferguson helped establish Canada as a world leader in the fight against tuberculosis.
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