World TB Day, observed annually on March 24, amplifies the urgency of ending tuberculosis – the world’s deadliest infectious disease. South East Health Unit (SEHU, formerly Hastings Prince Edward Public Health) is encouraging residents to learn about tuberculosis (TB), which continues to devastate millions globally, inflicting severe health, social, and economic consequences.
This year’s theme for World TB Day is Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver, a bold call for hope, urgency, and accountability.
On the 143 anniversary of Dr. Robert Koch’s discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the pathogen that causes tuberculosis, tuberculosis remains an epidemic in much of the world causing the deaths of several million people each year. While Canada’s rates of tuberculosis are relatively low, there were still 2,217 cases of TB reported in Canada in 2023, with tuberculosis disproportionately impacting Inuit, First Nations, and foreign-born individuals living in Canada. Individuals affected by tuberculosis can experience isolation, stigma and long-term physical consequences.
Tuberculosis is a respiratory disease that can be spread through the air when a person with active disease in their lungs or airways coughs, sneezes or talks. Exposure to tuberculosis can also result in latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) – those with latent tuberculosis infection do not have symptoms and cannot spread tuberculosis to others. Tuberculosis is preventable, treatable and curable with antibiotics.
At South East Health Unit, our infectious and communicable diseases teams provide care to clients with latent tuberculosis infection, active tuberculosis infection, and those undergoing tuberculosis immigration medical surveillance through various services:
- A monthly tuberculosis clinic where clients without a health-care provider are seen by a respirologist.
- Free treatment for those interested in being cured of latent tuberculosis infection.
- Education and counselling for those living with latent tuberculosis infection, who are not interested in treatment, including what to do if symptoms develop.
- Facilitating follow-up for clients who require tuberculosis immigration medical surveillance (a requirement of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada), for individuals at higher risk of developing active tuberculosis.
- Rapid response to identified active tuberculosis cases in our region, including free, timely treatment and support through directly observed therapy (DOT) to cure the disease and minimize the risk of transmission to others.
- Investigations to identify contacts of individuals with active tuberculosis, to ensure individuals who have been exposed receive appropriate testing and follow up with a respirologist.
For more information see the Tuberculosis Fact Sheet.
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Media contact:
Communications@SoutheastPH.ca
