Roundtable on Research to support Tuberculosis (TB) elimination across Inuit Nunangat: Summary

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) co-led the ‘Roundtable on Research to support Tuberculosis (TB) elimination across Inuit Nunangat’ (the roundtable) on February 12-13th, 2020. Co-chaired by Presidents Natan Obed (ITK) and Dr. Michael J. Strong (CIHR), the roundtable brought together Inuit government representatives, Inuit organizations, federal and territorial government representatives, CIHR Institute staff and health researchers with robust knowledge on TB or health research in Inuit Nunangat. The goal of the roundtable was to provide a forum whereby Inuit regions and partners could begin work with CIHR and other relevant organizations to set a plan for the co-development of a research strategy to support Inuit governed research towards TB elimination across Inuit Nunangat. The discussions allowed for the exchange of information about each of the organizations; the current incidence rate of TB disease in Inuit Nunangat; highlight the importance of distinctions-based research needs and Inuit self-determination; and explore potential solutions to address TB research needs in Inuit Nunangat.

The foundational documents shared and the bases for this meeting are the Inuit Tuberculosis Elimination Framework (ITEF) and the National Inuit Strategy on Research (NISR). Regional presentations on TB research governance, research gaps, capacity and funding needs were also shared. These presentations provided an overview of the significant work undertaken to date, and reinforced the unique contexts, opportunities, and capacity of each region, as well as their shared commitment to the elimination of TB in Inuit Nunangat. Round table discussions and break out sessions provided participants with the opportunity to listen, learn and take guidance from one another to build upon existing resources and work towards addressing existing challenges, gaps and needs in a meaningful way.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the outputs of the roundtable were delayed. ITK and CIHR have since agreed to continue their partnership and continue to identify meaningful opportunities to advance Inuit-led research on the elimination of TB in Inuit Nunangat.

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