Naujaat Tuberculosis community-wide prevention screening concluded

Press Release

July 11, 2024 (Naujaat, Nunavut) – The Department of Health, in partnership with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI), has successfully concluded the community-wide tuberculosis (TB) prevention screening clinic in Naujaat.

The clinic was launched on April 15, 2024 in response to rising TB cases in the community. On June 19, 2024, Minister of Health John Main, NTI President Aluki Kotierk, NTI Chief Administrative Officer June Shappa, Deputy Minister of Health Megan Hunt, and acting Chief Public Health Officer  Dr. Ekua Agyemang met with the Naujaat Hamlet Council to discuss the success of the screening, followed by an evening community feast.

“I’d like to extend my gratitude to the hamlet for welcoming us with open arms,” said Minister Main. “I’d also like to acknowledge our valued partners, the Public Health Agency of Canada and Indigenous Services Canada, the clinical and support staff, and especially the community for demonstrating what happens when we unite for a greater cause – we catch potential health issues early and maintain the well-being of Nunavut.”

“I was pleased to hear from council members on the clinic’s success,” said President Kotierk. “I would like to thank and congratulate the residents of Naujaat for coming together and working toward eliminating TB in their community and in Nunavut.”

During its six-week operation, the clinic successfully screened 892 individuals, meeting nearly 90 percent of the clinic’s goal to screen 1000 individuals. A total of 31 latent cases of TB were identified while a few active cases were found. This achievement provided healthcare providers with the opportunity to engage in early detection and preventative treatment programs, significantly enhancing health outcomes for Naujaat residents.

Contact

Pierre Essoh
Communications Specialist
Department of Health
867-975-5712
PEssoh@gov.nu.ca

Ivaluarjuk Merritt
Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
media@tunngavik.com

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