Dr. Tam’s Perspective: Eliminating TB is a community effort

I recently had the privilege of visiting the communities of Naujaat, Pond Inlet and Iqaluit in Nunavut where I was generously welcomed by so many residents. Despite the challenges remote communities face, I left my time in Nunavut inspired by their resilience and commitment to building a bright future.

Social, economic and environmental factors play a fundamental role in determining the health of individuals. I witnessed this firsthand on this trip, where rates of tuberculosis (TB) are the highest in the country and significantly impact these communities, but where remarkable community efforts are underway to reduce the burden of disease and infection.

Since November 2021, three communities in Nunavut have declared TB outbreaks: Naujaat, Pond Inlet and Pangnirtung. The Government of Nunavut, in partnership with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated with support from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Indigenous Services Canada and local communities, has established community-wide screening clinics to support TB elimination in Nunavut. I was able to visit the Naujaat clinic when it opened on April 15 and heard how important it was for community members to get tested and treated so close to home, rather than traveling hundreds of kilometres for care. But testing and treatment is only one part of the equation.

TB is a treatable, curable infectious disease. It is also an indicator of health inequities. Why are TB rates higher in Indigenous, particularly Inuit, and northern communities than in other parts of Canada? Access to health care, lack of adequate housing, the continuing impacts of colonialism, stigma, lack of infrastructure and food insecurity all factor into this.

Community leadership is a key ingredient of success on the path to build healthier communities. In Nunavut, community organizations are working to educate people about the importance of getting tested and eliminating the fear and stigma of TB while providing greater access for individuals to get tested. They have also set up support for nutrition, providing food hampers to those infected with TB so they can have the right conditions to heal. They are tackling key issues in their territory such as homelessness, health education and mental health in order to address some of the inequities that impact health.

In Canada, we are working towards eliminating TB from Inuit Nunangat by 2030, and across the country by 2035. These are challenging targets and it will take a concerted effort to reach them. With these goals in mind, Indigenous, Federal, Provincial and Territorial partners are working together to develop an approach to TB Elimination in Canada. After witnessing how communities in Nunavut are coming together for the long-term health and well-being of its people, I believe that we can achieve TB elimination.

TB elimination is a powerful illustration of the vital role that community leadership can play, with the support of public health and other sectors, in creating healthier and more resilient communities.