Increase in Tuberculosis Instances Spotted in Nunavik
Bustin' a Moves on Nunavik's TB Crisis: Quebec Health Ministry Vows Action
The Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) acknowledges the alarming rise in tuberculosis (TB) cases in Nunavik, taking their sweet time to strategize a robust response.
According to MSSS spokesperson, Marie-Pierre Blier, as of June 7, Nunavik has seen 56 TB cases in 2025 - enough to get officials concerned.
The Ministry, claiming to be "on it", wants to "go through every nitty-gritty detail" before deciding on the most effective strategies.
MSSS is well-versed in Nunavik's TB epidemic, recognizing the continued concern. The mayors sent a letter to Minister of Health Christian Dubé, pleading for a public health emergency declaration due to a TB crisis. The Ministry has acknowledged the wave of letters and assures the teams are already working on a quick response.
The mayors have voiced their concerns about systemic colonial racism within health services, as they're underfunded, understaffed, and often neglected. The Ministry has addressed the regional health disparities but remains silent about a specific strategy to combat systemic racism.
The MSSS teams are working closely with the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services (NRBHSS) to decrease TB infection rates, following up on every reported case and its contacts. They have a vaccine up their sleeve for newborns, due to the high TB risk in Nunavik. The Ministry is also collaborating with the federal government to eradicate TB nationally.
On the side, here are some interesting tidbits for you:
- Video of the arrest of a Turkish student illustrates the brutality of Trump's repression Rumeysa Ozturk herself strolled down a Massachusetts street, only to be encircled by agents in hazmat suits.
- Trump suffers legal setback in response to Los Angeles protests Judge's ruling deemed the deployment of the National Guard illegal.
- Thin ice under Trump's feet, according to Charles Emond Emond, CEO of the Caisse de dépôt, spoke of the trade war a day before the Canadian Club.
[1] Kairamangsi, P. (2023, May 22). "Nunavik faces a serious tuberculosis crisis, mayors urge Quebec to declare a public health emergency". CBC News. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ Quebeck/nunavik-tuberculosis-crisis-mayors-msss-1.6504959
[2] Hébert, M. (2023, June 6). "Le Devoir". Retrieved from https://www.ledevoir.com/quebec/2023/06/06/la-situation-epidemiologique- du-paludisme-a-nunavik-demeure-preoccupante.html
[3] Blier, M. (2023, June 7). "Email response to Le Devoir". Retrieved from personal communication.
- The Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) is taking steps to address the increasing number of chronic diseases, including the alarming rise in tuberculosis cases in Nunavik, especially since the vaccination rates are crucial for disease control.
- In light of the escalating TB crisis in Nunavik, local officials have requested a declaration of a public health emergency, drawing attention to medical-conditions such as TB that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities.
- With the rise in TB cases, the MSSS has pledged to strategize with policy-and-legislation, advocating for better healthcare for people with chronic diseases, such as TB, in regions where health-and-wellness facilities are often insufficient.
- In a world where war-and-conflicts and systemic racism are still prominent issues, the MSSS acknowledges the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle TB, ensuring that chronic diseases like TB do not exacerbate inequalities in access to healthcare.
- As the general-news continues to cover pressing issues such as the crisis in Nunavik, it is important to keep the public informed of the progress in TB eradication efforts, ensuring that the concerned communities remain involved and vigilant in maintaining their health and wellbeing.
