A Milestone in Nunavut: TB Outbreaks Declared Over in Pangnirtung and Pond Inlet
Nunavut has officially declared an end to two yearslong tuberculosis (TB) outbreaks in Pangnirtung and Pond Inlet.
This is more than a public health success – it’s a moment of pride and recognition for the Inuit communities, health workers, and partners who have worked tirelessly to end TB in the territory.
We want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the people of Pangnirtung and Pond Inlet, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), community health workers, local leadership, the Government of Nunavut, and all public health teams involved. Their hard work, advocacy, and commitment to equity have made this moment possible.
While the end of these two outbreaks deserves celebration, the fight to end TB in Canada is not over. TB continues to disproportionately affect Inuit communities due to systemic inequities rooted in colonization including overcrowded housing, food insecurity, and barriers to culturally appropriate care. Alarmingly, the latest national TB report shows that the incidence rate of TB in Inuit communities continues to be over 500 times higher than that of the non-Indigenous Canadian-born population.
To truly eliminate TB across Canada and prevent future outbreaks, we must address the underlying conditions that allow it to persist and ensure every community has access to the housing, healthcare, and support they deserve.
As we mark this milestone, members of Stop TB Canada’s Steering Committee reflect on the importance of this moment and what it will take to end TB for good:
“Stop TB Canada is proud to stand alongside Inuit partners and advocates who are leading the way toward a TB-free future. We commend Prime Minister Carney’s commitment to eliminating TB in Inuit Nunangat by 2030 — but this must be just the beginning. Now is the time to replicate these efforts across all Indigenous and underserved communities in Canada. Stop TB Canada calls for a fully funded, equity-driven national TB elimination plan that integrates TB with other intersecting health priorities. Let’s turn this momentum into action — no community should be left behind.”
- Tina Campbell, Co-chair, Stop TB Canada, NITHA
“The end of the TB outbreaks in Pangnirtung and Naujaat is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when Indigenous-led solutions, community strength, and culturally grounded care come together. This is a victory not just for Inuit and for Nunavut, but for all Indigenous communities striving for health equity. As Indigenous Peoples, we know TB does not exist in isolation—it intersects with HIV, hepatitis C, and the social determinants of Indigenous health that stem from colonization. Let this moment be a call to action: we must replicate these successes and ensure that every Indigenous community has the tools, support, and sovereignty to end TB and all health inequities for good.”
- Trevor Stratton, Indigenous Leadership Policy Manager, CAAN – Communities, Alliances & Networks
“Ending the TB outbreaks in Pangnirtung and Naujaat reflects what’s possible when public health systems work in true partnership with Inuit communities. This success is rooted in trust, cultural humility, and a shared commitment to health equity. As we celebrate this milestone, we must also recognize the urgency to apply these lessons more broadly and also not forget that there are other communities still facing similar outbreaks and that addressing the social determinants that are at the root of those health inequities is crucial. Collaboration across jurisdictions, sectors, and disciplines is essential to eliminating TB in Canada.”
- Dr. Yassen Tcholakov, Interim Director of Public Health, Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services
This success in Nunavut shows us that real progress is possible, but only if we continue to invest in equity, community leadership, and sustained action. Together, we can #EndTB in every community.