Canada Proclaims April 29 World Primary Immunodeficiency Day

Author: CI Society
Published: 28 Apr 2011 - Updated: 28 Oct 2026

Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Overview - Related Content

Synopsis

The World Health Organization recognizes more than 150 forms of the disease Primary Immunodeficiency.

Overview

Provinces and major cities across Canada proclaim April 29 World Primary Immunodeficiency Day.

The World Health Organization recognizes more than 150 forms of the disease Primary Immunodeficiency (PI). PI refers to the genetic condition of a person born with a broken or missing immune system.

The immune system guards the body from infections.

PI affects an estimated 13,000 Canadians, over 50% of whom go undiagnosed and are exposed to increased suffering, physical disability, life threatening illness and even death. The good news is that if diagnosed in time and treated, individuals with a PI can lead a normal life. Diagnosis starts with recognition of the 10 Warning Signs.

"We are honored to have governments across Canada recognize the impact Primary Immunodeficiency has on our population and the need for greater awareness." said Richard Thompson, Executive Director for the Canadian Immunodeficiency Society.

• The City of St John's, by His Worship Dennis O'Keefe, Mayor, declared April 29 World Primary Immunodeficiency Day in St John's.
• The Halifax Regional Municipality, by His Worship Peter Kelly, Mayor, declared April 29 Primary Immunodeficiency Day in Halifax.
• The City of Toronto, by His Worship Rob Ford, Mayor, declared April 29 Primary Immunodeficiency Day in Toronto.
• The Province of Saskatchewan, by the Honorable Don McMorris, Minister of Health, declared April 29 World Primary Immunodeficiency Day in Saskatchewan.
• The City of Regina, by His Worship Pat Fiacco, Mayor, declared April 29 Primary Immunodeficiency Day in Regina.
• The City of Saskatoon, by City Council, declared April 29 World Primary Immunodeficiency Day in Saskatoon.
• The Province of British Columbia, by the Honorable Steven L. Point, Lieutenant Governor, declared April 29 World Primary Immunodeficiency Day in British Columbia.

The Canadian Immunodeficiency Society (CI Society) is a national registered charity that provides patient support, education and research into a cure for Primary Immunodeficiency.

Primary Immunodeficiency can break families apart. The CI Society is working to hold families together.

Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally issued as a press release by CI Society and published on 28 Apr 2011. Last updated on 28 Oct 2026. This content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.