Statement
From Public Health Agency of Canada
Despite being wholly preventable and curable, Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the world’s most common infectious diseases. On World TB Day, we work to raise awareness of the disease and rededicate ourselves to eliminating it.
While Canada is fortunate to have among the lowest TB rates in the world, there are still about 1,600 new cases reported each year – disproportionately affecting Indigenous people and newcomers from countries where TB is more common.
Too often, individuals with TB suffer from discrimination fuelled by myths. This can lead to social isolation, and discourage them from seeking help and treatment. The stigma must end. It starts with the facts – TB is not easily spread from person to person, and can be cured.
Our government is committed to addressing the elevated rates of TB in Indigenous communities, as well as social factors like inadequate housing, food insecurity and poverty, which contribute to its spread. Last fall, the Inuit TB Elimination Task Force was established by Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) with support from our government. A joint framework for eliminating TB across Inuit Nunangat by 2030 is currently in development. The framework includes enhanced community-wide prevention, screening, early diagnosis and treatment, as well as efforts to address the social determinants of health. This is supported by $27.5 million over five years from Budget 2018. In addition, $640 million over 10 years was included in Budget 2017 and 2018 to address Inuit Nunagat housing needs.
The Government of Nunavut, with support from the federal government, has also taken direct measures to address TB in that territory. In February, a seven-week mobile screening clinic was deployed to a Nunavut community in response to a local TB outbreak and over 90% of the eligible population was screened (individuals who were not undergoing TB treatment or had not been previously tested).
In honour of this year’s World TB Day theme – “Wanted: Leaders for a TB-free world” – we would like to commend Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam. Dr Tam has drawn attention to TB by releasing her evidence-based report on eliminating tuberculosis in Canada this week, which aims to raise awareness about disproportionately affected populations and reminds us that more needs to be done.
On World TB Day, we applaud the many individuals and groups active in the fight against this disease. We encourage Canadians to visit Canada.ca/tuberculosis to learn more about TB and how they can help combat it. Together, we can end TB in Canada, and around the world.
The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Health
The Honourable Jane Philpott
Minister of Indigenous Services
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