January 13, 2011
For Immediate Release
(Iqaluit) – The Government of Canada today announced $800,000 in financial support to Taima TB, a partnership initiative with the Government of Nunavut to help eliminate tuberculosis in Nunavut. The announcement from Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq is an important part of the Government of Canada's efforts to prevent and reduce the impact of respiratory illnesses on Canadians, especially those at high-risk of developing these diseases.
"We know that tuberculosis is a very real concern in the North and in Nunavut in particular," said Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq. "That is why we are here today, with our closest partners - the territorial Minister of Health, Inuit leaders and the academic and community sectors - to help address this problem. By providing financial support to the Taima TB project, we are partnering with the people of Nunavut to combat this deadly but curable disease," said the Minister.
Key activities of Taima TB - which means STOP TB in Inuktitut - include going door-to-door to diagnose and treat latent TB infections and provide information to individuals on how best to manage their disease. Additionally, the project will build greater knowledge and awareness in the community, through meetings, focus groups and social media. Key partners include Dr. Gonzalo Alvarez, a Consultant Respirologist for Nunavut who is currently affiliated with the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute at the University of Ottawa; Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.; Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami; the National Aboriginal Health Organization; and the New Brunswick Lung Association.
"The Government of Canada's financial support for Taima TB represents an important step forward for Nunavut in our continuing efforts to address the serious problem of TB and to achieve improved health care and quality of life for our citizens," stated Nunavut Health and Social Services Minister Tagak Curley.
Beginning in 2006, the Public Health Agency of Canada worked with stakeholders to develop the National Lung Health Framework, a strategic action plan to improve the lung health of Canadians. Following these efforts, the Government of Canada committed $10 million to support the Framework and improve awareness of prevention, early detection, and management of lung diseases. Today's investment in Taima TB is an important part of this effort.
For more information on respiratory disease risk factors, management and control, Canada's Lung Health Program and the National Lung Health Framework, please visit www.lunghealthframework.ca (External link) .
Public Health Agency of Canada
Media Relations
(613) 941-8189
Jenny VanAlstyne
Office of Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200
