(March 22, 2012 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Taima TB project partners today shared the progress of the year-long Taima TB project administered by Public Health officials in Iqaluit. Partners include Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and University of Ottawa, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and Government of Nunavut.

The TAIMA TB study aimed to increase awareness of tuberculosis in Iqaluit and to test a new approach to latent TB infection screening and treatment through the implementation of an intensive door to door education screening and treatment in residential areas at high risk for TB transmission.

“A strong partnership between NTI, GN, and Dr. Gonzalo Alvarez of the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and University of Ottawa formed the cornerstone of the project, and we feel it is an exemplary model of how a meaningful partnership can result in effective research that meets local needs,” said Towtongie.

“The study is now complete and I am very pleased with the response from the community,” said Dr. Alvarez. “It was incredible. People shared with us their thoughts on TB and latent TB, and awareness is key in tackling this very real health issue in Nunavut. We look forward to building on this project,” he said.

The TAIMA TB pilot project was funded by the Government of Canada, in partnership with NTI, GN, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and the University of Ottawa. Other partners include Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), New Brunswick Lung Association and the National Aboriginal Health Organization. The project included a website, a Facebook page, a video contest with the winning videos on YouTube and a community feast. A total of 444 people were offered TB awareness in their homes, and of those people, 300 were screened for TB.