While tuberculosis is virtually eradicated in Canada, it continues to rage in the Far North, lamented a doctor urging the federal Minister of Health to act. Challenging, the government wants to be reassured.
In Nunavut, due to overcrowding, poverty and lack of sanitation, tuberculosis has become a real plague.writes in an open letter published in The dutyGebrael El Hachem, physician and master’s student in public health.
According to data from Health Canada, by 2020 the prevalence of “white plague” will be 15 times higher among Inuit (72 cases per 100,000 inhabitants) than in the general population (4.7 cases/100,000). Despite these differences, the trend is still downward. In 2017, the tuberculosis rate was 205/100,000 living among Inuit.
Mr. El Hachem however calls on the Minister of Health of Canada, Jean-Yves Duclos, to perform its responsibilities to all citizens of this country, particularly the Inuit and in ensuring equity in health and social services.
He defined tuberculosis as a contagious bacterial disease both preventable and curable and that there is a need to continue to support an active monitoring program in addition to strengthening local initiatives.
The government defended itself
Invited to comment on this open letter, Health Canada redirects our request to the Department of Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), acknowledging that this disease is still disproportionately affecting Inuit communities in Canada.
The Government of Canada is committed to working with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami to eradicate tuberculosis in Inuit Nunangat by 2030indicates by email of the Minister’s office BAG Patty Hajdu.
The department added that $ 27.5 million was spent on disease eradication action plans in each of the four Inuit Nunangat regions. Because housing is a critical social determinant of health, Budget 2022 makes a historic investment of $ 845 million to support housing in Inuit communities.we mentioned.
Source: Radio-Canada
