Nunavut’s Health department has reported a significant decrease in tuberculosis cases, indicating progress towards the goal of eradicating the disease by 2030. According to the latest update, there were 21 active cases of tuberculosis in Nunavut as of September 30 this year, compared to 67 cases in 2023 and 36 cases in 2024.
Despite the overall decline, two communities in Nunavut are still grappling with outbreaks. Arviat had five active TB cases and 67 new latent TB cases as of August 31 this year. Similarly, Naujaat recorded 27 active TB cases and 159 new latent TB cases between January 1, 2023, and August 31, 2025.
Nunavut’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Ekua Agyemang, mentioned that while tuberculosis is not actively spreading in the affected communities, screening efforts are ongoing to contain the outbreak. The Health department affirmed its commitment to providing continuous support and resources to these communities.
Acknowledging the crucial role of funding, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. has made a substantial multi-year commitment to bolster tuberculosis screening and prevention programs. This initiative aims to enhance training for community health center staff to raise awareness and promote tuberculosis prevention and screening.
Earlier this year, long-standing tuberculosis outbreaks in Pangnirtung and Pond Inlet were successfully resolved. The department emphasized the importance of seeking medical attention at health centers if individuals experience symptoms like persistent cough, fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, or night sweats.
In 2018, the federal government vowed to eliminate tuberculosis in Inuit communities by 2030, underscoring the collective effort to combat this infectious disease.