Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today is World TB Day. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the work that is being done to fight this disease, and the need for continued vigilance.
Mr. Speaker, the tuberculosis rate in our territory has remained five to 10 times above the national average over the past decade. Since the beginning of this year, five new cases have already been diagnosed, all in elders. The disease spreads through the air and can infect anyone. As Members know, this is very serious.
This morning we were launching a new video called Stop TB. The video is available in all of our health centres and we've also translated it into French, Gwich'in and Dogrib. It includes interviews taped in Lutselk'e, Rae Edzo, Wekweti, Aklavik and Yellowknife. I trust it will be a valuable resource and help people to recognize the early symptoms of TB. They can get tested in their own communities.
The department and authorities are working very hard to encourage people to get tested and to go for treatment if they need it.
- • We have new clinical practice guidelines and are developing new hospital standard regulations.
- • We are providing community profiles and training to identify TB patients.
- • We have a new Tuberculosis control manual.
- • We are developing proactive screening programs, because some people can carry the disease without getting sick.
- • We report on the number of TB cases regularly.
- • We are providing training and orientation to health care workers at all levels, including doctors, nurses, community health representatives and TB workers.
Mr. Speaker, I'm very proud of the work that's been done, but it's clear that we still have a long way to go. I hope we can continue this work and lower our TB rates to zero. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause