Tuberculosis Prevention and Control

About Us

Mission Statement
Through leadership and collaboration with our partners, Tuberculosis Prevention and Control takes action to reduce the incidence rate of tuberculosis in Canada to 3.6 per 100,000 by 2015. This goal supports the target set in the Global Plan to Stop TB 2006-2015 to reduce the burden of the disease by 50 per cent compared to the 1990 rate. Achieving this goal will require a 3 1/2 per cent annual reduction in the incidence rate.

In response to the global epidemic and the changing epidemiology of TB in Canada, Tuberculosis Prevention and Control (TBPC) has strengthened its leadership role in TB policy and program initiatives through the co-ordination of several key activities:

Canadian Surveillance of TB Disease in Canada
Each year, data on reported cases from all provinces and territories are collected, analyzed and interpreted. Valuable epidemiological information is then widely disseminated to enhance TB prevention and control efforts throughout the country.

Canadian Surveillance of TB Drug Resistance in Canada
The global emergence of multi-drug resistant strains of TB is a serious threat to TB prevention and control efforts. Although drug-resistant TB has not yet been identified as a major problem in Canada, the potential exists due to the increase and ease of international travel. In response to this potential threat, TBPC, in collaboration with participating laboratories across Canada, provides timely reports on drug resistance among tested laboratory isolates.

Canadian Tuberculosis Standards
A joint production of the Canadian Lung Association/Canadian Thoracic Society and Tuberculosis Prevention and Control of the Public Health Agency of Canada, Canadian Tuberculosis Standards is the definitive prevention and control guidelines for Canada. This publication draws upon current Canadian epidemiological, medical microbiological, respirological, infectious disease and public health expertise in tuberculosis. Written especially for the non-specialist physician and public health nurse, this document is available on-line, or in paper format from Lung Association offices.

Canadian Tuberculosis Committee (CTC)
The CTC and its Immigration, Metropolitan TB Issues and Surveillance Subcommittees have membership from all provinces, territories, federal departments involved with TB prevention and control and various non-governmental health organizations. These committees coordinate and enhance TB prevention and control activities in Canada by developing recommendations and advisory committee statements for use by members. One of the key activities of the CTC is the Canadian Strategy for TB Prevention and Control.

Targeted Research
TBPC is involved in focused research activities both independently and in partnership with our academic colleagues.

Correctional Service Canada Tuberculosis Tracking System
Tuberculosis Prevention and Control, Correctional Service Canada and Health Canada's Workplace Health and Public Safety Programme have developed a surveillance system to collect and analyze data on tuberculosis infection and disease in persons living and working in Canadian federal correctional facilities. TBPC also provides guidelines, training and consultation for the prevention and control of TB in correctional settings.

Technical Assistance and Training
TBPC assists provinces and territories upon request in the public health management of contacts to TB cases and in responding to outbreaks.