March 24, 2010, marks World Tuberculosis (TB) Day and this year’s theme, “On the Move Against Tuberculosis,” reminds us that action and innovation play an important role in the global eradication of this disease.
 
TB is a disease caused by bacteria that usually attack the lungs, but may also affect other parts of the body such as the lymph nodes. The disease can spread when an infected individual coughs, releasing the bacteria in the air, and another person breathes some of the bacteria into their lungs. 
 
Globally, there are more than nine million new cases of TB and almost 2 million deaths every year. In Canada, the total number of reported cases has generally decreased over the past decade, and, although this is encouraging, it is important to remember that we still have work to do. 
 
The Government of Canada remains committed to the target set in the World Health Organization’s Global Plan to Stop TB, 2006-2015, to reduce the burden of the disease by 50 per cent compared to the 1990 rate. 
 
The Government of Canada is aware that Tuberculosis is a challenge that is currently faced by Canada’s Aboriginal population. Working through the Canadian Tuberculosis Committee, the Government of Canada remains committed to supporting Aboriginal communities, provincial and territorial health care systems, scientific experts and all TB partners in the development of scientific, evidence-based advice in the areas of prevention and control.
 
For the on-reserve population we continue to review and update our TB approaches, applying new evidence as it emerges. The Government of Canada supports regional TB programs on-reserve, across the country, including funding for management of TB disease and infection, as well as health promotion activities.
 
The Government of Canada has also collaborated with the Global Indigenous Stop TB Initiative in its effort to reduce the burden that this disease has on Aboriginal peoples in Canada and around the world. 
 
I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge all those involved in the global fight against TB, and who are committed to working together to develop solutions to this problem.   
 
Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health
Government of Canada
 
For more information on TB, please visit:
Tuberculosis Information 
Tuberculosis in First Nations communities 
It's Your Health - Tuberculosis Fact Sheet 
Tuberculosis Prevention and Control - Public Health Agency of Canada Web site