Message from Tony Clement, Minister of Health
World Tuberculosis Day

Friday, March 24, 2006

On March 24 we recognize World Tuberculosis (TB) Day. This day marks the discovery of the TB bacteria by Dr. Robert Koch 124 years ago; it also provides an important opportunity to raise awareness about a disease that affects nearly nine million people per year.

Tuberculosis primarily affects the lungs, and can be spread by the coughing and sneezing of an infected person. Each year there are about 1,600 new TB cases in Canada, many of which are Aboriginal people. Around the world, nearly two million die each year from this disease.

The Government of Canada’s goal is to reduce the number of new cases per year by five per cent. We also recognize the importance of a united global effort to stop TB, and we know that one reason for its continued spread is because those living in poverty do not always have access to the proper treatments. We support the G8 Okinawa Declaration to reduce the number of people living in poverty and the number of diseases of poverty – including TB – by 50 per cent by 2010. By 2015, we hope that coordinated domestic and targeted efforts will reduce the number of on-reserve First Nations individuals living with TB to 3.6 per 100,000.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also plays an important role, by conducting research and providing surveillance, and developing prevention and control guidelines. Internationally, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) has already provided more than $190 million towards TB global control activities.

By working together, we can achieve our goals and provide relief to many of those who suffer from TB. On World Tuberculosis Day, I encourage Canadians to remember the health care providers dedicated to treatment programs here and abroad. Eliminating TB is a challenge, but is a cause that is worth the fight.

The Honourable Tony Clement
Minister of Health