A joint community-wide tuberculosis (TB) prevention screening clinic conducted by Nunavut's Department of Health and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI), successfully concluded in Naujaat on June 19.
The clinic was launched on April 15 in response to rising TB cases in the community.
Minister of Health John Main, NTI President Aluki Kotierk, NTI chief administrative officer June Shappa, deputy minister of Health Megan Hunt, and acting chief public health officer Dr. Ekua Agyemang met with Naujaat hamlet council to discuss the success of the screening, followed by an evening community feast on June 19.
Main said he'd like to extend his gratitude to the hamlet for welcoming the group with open arms.
“I’d also like to acknowledge our valued partners, the Public Health Agency of Canada and Indigenous Services Canada, the clinical and support staff and, especially, the community for demonstrating what happens when we unite for a greater cause,” said Main. “We catch potential health issues early and maintain the well-being of Nunavut."
Kotierk said she was pleased to hear from council members on the clinic’s success.
“I would like to thank and congratulate the residents of Naujaat for coming together and working toward eliminating TB in their community and in Nunavut,” said Kotierk.
During its six-week operation, the clinic screened 892 individuals, meeting nearly 90 percent of the clinic's goal to screen 1,000 individuals.
A total of 31 latent cases of TB were identified, while a few active cases were found. This achievement provided healthcare providers with the opportunity to engage in early detection and preventative treatment programs, a step toward enhancing health outcomes for Naujaat residents.
