Nunavut’s top public health official, Dr. Ekua Agyemang, believes that tuberculosis can be eradicated in the territory by the end of the decade with continued efforts. Agyemang emphasized the importance of collaboration with communities and forming strong partnerships to achieve this goal. She expressed optimism, stating that eliminating TB is within reach.
According to Agyemang, only five TB cases have been recorded in Nunavut this year, a significant decrease compared to 26 cases in 2025 and 36 in 2024. The territory has seen a consistent decline in TB cases since 2023.
Acting Chief Public Health Officer for Canada, Natasha Crowcroft, commended the progress made in combating TB in Nunavut. She highlighted the positive shift from an increasing trend to a decreasing one, attributing this success to the substantial efforts and financial support provided by organizations like NTI, the Government of Nunavut, and local communities.
Crowcroft emphasized the necessity of sustaining funding for TB elimination efforts, acknowledging the government’s dedicated financial commitment to this cause. The federal government recently announced a $27 million investment over five years to support community-specific initiatives led by Inuit groups to end tuberculosis.
Both the federal government and ITK have pledged to eliminate TB by 2030. Agyemang stressed the importance of raising public awareness, promoting education, and early diagnosis to further reduce TB cases. She highlighted the need to address historical trauma, stigma, and community support in combating the disease effectively.
Agyemang emphasized that achieving the goal of eradicating TB by 2030 would require collaboration across various sectors, including housing, food security, mental health services, and healthcare. Early identification of TB cases is crucial to prevent the spread of the disease and ensure containment within communities.
