Health Minister Jane Philpott with Ahtahkakoop Chief Larry Ahenakew. Photo by Rory McLean of the FSIN.
Federal Health Minister Jane Philpott says she is impressed with how the Ahtahkakoop and Big River First Nations have addressed the HIV epidemic in their communities.
The two Saskatchewan First Nations made headlines last year when statistics showed the rate of HIV on their reserves was up to eight times higher than the national average.
But now both communities have gained attention for their response to the spike in HIV cases with proactive education, testing and treatment efforts.
Ahtahkakoop is tackling the issue by implementing universal testing, starting a needle exchange and hiring a nurse who specializes in infectious disease care.
Philpott toured health facilities in both communities Tuesday and said the approach taken by both First Nations exceeds that in other areas of the country.
“I was incredibly impressed with their Know Your Status campaign, which is something that should be expanded all across Canada,” she said. “I learned of things they are doing here that aren’t being done anywhere else across the country in the ways they are making sure that people are getting their lab testing and coming back for treatment.”
Philpott says that people in the two communities are not afraid to talk about HIV and AIDS because of the education being made available to their members. She says they are difficult topics and there is a stigma attached with infections that many don’t want to talk about.
She credits the leadership of both First Nations in facing the problem head on.
“They have worked with the health care staff and they have come up with a very impressive program,” said the minister.
Philpott admits there is still a lot to be done in many First Nations communities across the country in dealing with health issues like hepatitis C and HIV.
“We know that there have been many years of social inequity and a lack of access to good education supports to those communities,” she said. “The current government wants to reconcile that and bring as many resources as possible to First Nations when it comes to proper access to health.”
Philpott will be in La Ronge on Wednesday to make an announcement on mental health supports for northern First Nations communities.