Tuberculosis update: progress toward eliminating TB in Nunavut

Press Release

October 20, 2025

Nunavut is making steady progress toward the goal of eliminating tuberculosis (TB) by 2030 thanks to community support and the partnership between the Government of Nunavut (GN) and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI).

NTI’s multi-year funding commitment has supported critical TB screening and prevention initiatives, ensuring communities have the tools, knowledge and local leadership needed to fight TB. With this contribution, Community Health Centre staff will receive additional training and resources to lead awareness and health promotion about tuberculosis prevention and screening.

Outbreaks Declared Over

In July 2025, the TB outbreaks in Pangnirtung and Pond Inlet were declared over. All individuals who were diagnosed with either active or latent TB were offered treatment in their communities.

• Pangnirtung: From January 1, 2021, to July 3, 2025, a total of 47 individuals were diagnosed with active TB, and 225 individuals with new latent TB.
• Pond Inlet: From January 1, 2023, to July 2, 2025, a total of 13 individuals were diagnosed with active TB, and 117 individuals were diagnosed with new latent TB.

Ongoing Outbreaks

Ongoing outbreaks continue in Arviat and Naujaat. The Department of Health provides ongoing support and resources to ensure access to testing, education, treatment and follow-up care in these communities.

• In Arviat: 5 individuals were diagnosed with active TB and 67 individuals with new latent TB between January 1, 2025, and August 31, 2025.
• In Naujaat: 27 individuals were diagnosed with active TB and 159 individuals with new latent TB between January 1, 2023, and August 31, 2025.

Overall, tuberculosis cases in Nunavut have declined from 67 cases in 2023, down to 36 cases in 2024, to 21 cases from January 1 to September 30, 2025. These numbers demonstrate meaningful progress and prove that when communities are empowered, real change happens.

If you have any of the following symptoms, visit your health centre immediately for screening:

• A cough that lasts longer than three weeks.
• Feeling very tired.
• Loss of appetite.
• A fever or night sweats.

TB is treatable, and medications are available in your community. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent the disease from spreading and becoming fatal.

Latent TB is not contagious but can become active if untreated. Preventive treatment is available to reduce this risk. Being proactive by getting tested is encouraged.

For more information, visit the Government of Nunavut’s website or contact your local health centre. Let’s keep working together to eliminate TB by encouraging testing, supporting those receiving treatment, and sharing the facts about TB.

Strong communities mean a healthier future for all Nunavummiut.

Contact

Charmaine Deogracias
Manager, Communications
Department of Health
867-975-5712
CDeogracias@gov.nu.ca

ILR4