Saskatoon Tribal Chief Felix Thomas was one of several Indigenous leaders calling for a state of emergency.
First Nation leaders and medical doctors are calling on the provincial government to declare a state of emergency over high HIV rates, however a government official says that may not be possible.
The action comes after recent reports revealed that Saskatchewan had double the national average of HIV infection rates. An issue that has especially felt in First Nation communities.
Dr. Denise Werker, the province’s Chief Medical Officer, admits there is an epidemic, but says there is no legislation in place to input a province-wide medical state of emergency.
“I have to act under the authorities under the Public Health Act and we don’t have that term,” she said. “However we are taking efforts to prevent and control HIV.”
The government highlighted the ways they have been Addressing HIV infection rates over the past few years including a $4 million dollar annual investment directed toward the issue.
“We all recognize this is a serious situation, complicated by the stigma associated with HIV and the fact that it is often the result of complex social issues,” said a government media release.
Dr. Werker says HIV rates in the province actually dropped between 2009-2014 and believes the increase seen in 2015 may be the result of an increase in testing.
The province’s Chief Medical Officer also says any progress on HIV will depend on everyone working together including the province, the federal government and Indigenous leaders.
“We need to continue to work at better implementing our programming and services in a collaborative way,” she said.