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.