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Nunavik Battles TB Crisis: Red Cross Steps In
17 Feb
Summary
- Nunavik faces record high TB cases, equivalent to one of the world's highest rates.
- The health board signed a two-year deal with the Canadian Red Cross for support.
- Quebec government's financial aid for tuberculosis efforts is considered inadequate.
The Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services has entered into a two-year agreement with the Canadian Red Cross to bolster efforts against an escalating tuberculosis crisis. This partnership comes as health officials deem support from the Quebec government insufficient to meet the region's needs.
As of February 16, 2026, Nunavik has recorded 13 active tuberculosis cases this year, following a record 117 cases in 2025. This situation represents one of the highest rates globally for the region's approximately 14,000 residents.
Dr. Yassen Tcholakov, the infectious diseases lead for NRBHSS, highlighted ongoing capacity challenges, including limited housing, clinical space, and staffing. He noted that provincial support has not fully covered the region's extensive needs.
The Red Cross's role will initially focus on monitoring and identifying gaps, potentially assisting with the logistics of organizing clinical spaces during new outbreaks. Their support will first target communities along the Hudson Bay coast, where the situation is most critical.
Despite progress in bringing care closer to communities with mobile screening clinics and portable X-ray machines, reaching and testing 90% of the population in each community remains a challenge. The health board has yet to secure additional funding from the Quebec government for its tuberculosis action plan.
Quebec's Health Minister, Sonia Bélanger, stated that public health officials are continuing to monitor the situation in collaboration with Santé Québec and regional partners to ensure adequate resources, screening, and vaccination efforts are in place.
