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The Lung Association, Canadian Thoracic Society and Public Health Agency of Canada release 6th edition of Canadian Tuberculosis Standards
(Ottawa) – The Lung Association highlighted today the release of the 6th edition of the Canadian Tuberculosis Standards – a joint production of the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canadian Thoracic Society and The Canadian Lung Association.
Since 1972, the Canadian Tuberculosis Standards have provided direction to tuberculosis prevention and control in Canada. In contrast to provincial/territorial guidelines, which describe how action is to be accomplished and frame the structure of care, the national Standards provide the foundation upon which care can be based, outlining what should be done to prevent and treat the disease.
The 6th edition of the Standards have undergone substantial revision from the previous edition, including the addition of three new chapters (Tuberculosis Control in First Nations and Inuit Populations; Immigration and Tuberculosis in Canada; and, Canada and International Tuberculosis Control), as well as several new appendices on a variety of topics including recommendations for the screening and prevention of tuberculosis in patients with HIV, and tuberculosis education and training resources.
Notable information from the newly added chapters include:
- Renewed emphasis on epidemiologic realities tuberculosis tends to involve new immigrants from countries with high incidence of the disease – underscoring our continued need for action abroad to combat TB before it reaches our shores; and,
- Incidence of tuberculosis among First Nations and Inuit peoples continues to be higher than Canadian born non-Aboriginals – in some cases, 30 times higher;
“These standards provide medical and public health professionals nationwide with the best possible strategies to prevent and treat tuberculosis,” said Dr. Richard Long, recent post Chair of the Tuberculosis Committee for the Canadian Thoracic Society, “The updated standards are critical to our efforts to combat tuberculosis here in Canada, while building our knowledge base to offer our expertise internationally as well”.
Copies of the 6th edition of the Standards can be downloaded by visiting www.lung.ca/cts-sct/guidelines-lignes_e.php or www.publichealth.gc.ca/tuberculosis. Members of the public should contact their regional Lung Associations to obtain a copy.
Individuals or organizations involved in tuberculosis prevention and control outside Canada should contact the Canadian Thoracic Society at 613-569-6411 Ext. 270, or by email at ctsinfo@lung.ca (English). Shipping costs may apply.
Established in 1900, The Lung Association is one of Canada’s oldest and most respected health charities, and the leading national organization for science-based information, research, education, support programs and advocacy on lung heath issues. For more information on the Association, please visit www.lung.ca.
The Canadian Thoracic Society (CTS), founded in 1958, is the medical section of The Lung Association. The CTS promotes lung health by supporting the respiratory community through leadership, collaboration, research, learning and advocacy and by promoting the best respiratory practices in Canada. It also advises The Lung Association on scientific matters.
For further information or to arrange an interview, media representatives may contact:
Cameron Bishop
Director of Communications and Government Affairs
The Lung Association
(613) 569-6411, ext. 223
cbishop@lung.ca
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