The University of Saskatchewan is getting research money to study potential benefits of peer support for Indigenous women who have HIV or hepatitis C.
The U of S will also be examining how to improve health and wellness in older Indigenous women living with HIV.
The Canadian Institutes for Health Research is providing $2.4 million for the two studies.
The first study will see Dr. Alexandra King, the Cameco chair in Indigenous health, examine the role support women to navigate the healthcare system.
The second project will be to create and implement wellness pilot project based on their self-defined programming needs in five communities in Saskatchewan and British Columbia.
Saskatchewan has the highest rate of HIV in Canada — 2.3 times the national average.
Indigenous people, particularly women, are disproportionately affected by HIV and hepatitis.
(PHOTO: University of Saskatchewan. Photo courtesy of usask.ca)