AIDS on the Rise in Saskatchewan

[Shiloh]

Source: http://www.saskatoonhomepage.ca/inde...194&Itemid=421

AIDS on the Rise in Saskatchewan
Thursday, 20 August 2009
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30 percent of the aboriginal population could be wiped out by AIDS over the next ten years.

This comment comes from Dr. Khami Chokani from the Prince Albert Region, although he says it's worst case scenario and highly unlikely.

But he compares the situation here to what he has seen in Africa, and believes it's crucial that communities help address the very real H-I-V outbreak in our province.

More than 200 new cases are expected this year alone, and the majority of those in the aboriginal population.

Saskatchewan's Medical Health Officer Dr. Moira McKinnon adds that more women than men are being infected, and babies are being born with the virus.

McKinnon says the majority of new cases are spread through intravenous needle use.

The health ministry is ramping up an HIV strategy to help stem the tide.

(ct/aug20/09)

[B.C.]

Re: AIDS on the Rise in Saskatchewan

First Nations conference exposes 'hidden epidemic' of HIV


By Jana G. Pruden, Regina Leader-Post November 16, 2009 7:22 AM

REGINA ? There are ancient songs First Nations women used to sing in the forest to heal their injured men, songs of anguish and of strength, set to the heartbeat rhythm of a healing drum.

On Sunday, those traditional healing songs filled a ballroom at Regina?s Ramada Hotel, sung now by women trying to help each other, their families and their communities in the continuing battle against a very modern problem: The growing rate of HIV and AIDS in First Nations women.

Margaret Akan, head of the All Nations Hope AIDS Network and one of the organizers of Saskatchewan?s third annual Aboriginal HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C conference, says HIV is the "hidden epidemic" in First Nation communities.

But as infection rates continue to rise at an alarming rate, the situation cannot ? and will not ? stay hidden for long.

"I?m seeing women who are leaders in our community, women who are living with this virus step up and say, 'That?s enough now. We have a voice, and our voice needs to be heard'," Akan says.

Themed "Women: Keepers of the Tipi," the three-day conference includes panels, workshops and presentations on a wide range of issues related to HIV, AIDS and hepatitis C.

The conference reflects a mix of traditional First Nations teachings, modern science, community partnerships and harm reduction techniques to stop the spread of the disease, and support those who already have it.

The scope of the situation is daunting.

Akan says there were 174 new cases of HIV diagnosed in Saskatchewan last year, a dramatic increase from the year before. The infection rates among young women show no sign of slowing, and the threat to other generations is also severe. Akan says about 1/4th of the HIV-positive babies born in Canada last year were born in Saskatchewan.

"Twenty years ago this virus was impacting the gay population. Today, in Saskatchewan, it?s impacting young aboriginal women, who are no farther along in terms of addressing it," she says. "We need to look at what happened 20 years ago and look at what is happening today, and look for solutions of what could happen tomorrow."

Leona Quewezance, another member of the conference?s planning committee, says she hopes the conference will help put a face to the epidemic of HIV, and bring the issue to the forefront in First Nations communities around the province.

"I hope people will leave here feeling supported, and that people will take those feelings home to their community, and share them," she says. "And maybe people can open their hearts and open their minds to those who are living positive."

Part of the challenge, Quewezance says, is that HIV is often tied to other issues in First Nations communities, including addictions, poverty, lack of education, the scar of residential schools and the breakdown of families.

She said there is also a lot of stigma for those living with HIV, as many people ? including some community leaders ? are still in denial that there is HIV in their communities at all.

Having worked with the All Nations Hope AIDS Network for 11 years, Quewezance said she has seen some progress, but knows there is still a lot of work to be done.

"It?s in our communities, it?s everywhere. HIV doesn?t know race. HIV doesn?t know age. HIV doesn?t know sex. It doesn?t care. HIV affects everybody, it?s just unfortunate the aboriginal community is being hit the hardest now."

http://www.vancouversun.com/health/First+Nations+conference+exposes+hidden+epidemic/2228313/story.html