Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
First Nations announce flu strategy
By Tiffany Crawford, Canwest News Service
September 19, 2009 8:01 AM
The federal government announced Saturday a joint action plan with Canada's First Nations to deal with a potentially deadly outbreak of H1N1 flu should it hit remote aboriginal communities.Photograph by: Canwest News Service, Canwest News ServiceOTTAWA -- The federal government announced Saturday a joint action plan with Canada's First Nations to deal with a potentially deadly outbreak of H1N1 flu should it hit remote aboriginal communities.
Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq, along with Chuck Strahl, minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, and newly elected Assembly of First Nations Chief Shawn Atleo signed a communication protocol to deal with issues such as the delivery of medical supplies and water to all aboriginal communities.
The plan includes monthly committee meetings with government officials and First Nations leaders as well as a "virtual summit" co-chaired by Aglukkaq and Atleo near the end of October on how to deal with the H1N1, formerly known as swine flu.
"The virtual summit complements the intent of the collaboration and working together as partners, Chief Atleo, the government of Canada and First Nations communities will be ready (for) a new wave of H1N1 if and when we need to," said Aglukkaq.
Atleo said the agreement is an important step forward in working together to prevent a potential crisis in remote aboriginal communities.
"We know that our people are at risk and we know they are more vulnerable . . . whether it is overcrowding and housing issues or poverty or access to water. The isolation gives rise to challenges to get health care," said Atleo.
"Like so many of our communities there are excellent efforts happening on the ground, hard-working frontline health workers, and this effort is about listening to each other and to work closely with one another. Our people deserve this."
Aglukkaq said the federal government has made information available on its "fight flu" website, which has specific information on First Nations communities. She said Health Canada is working with aboriginal communities to update and co-ordinate their pandemic plans.
"We've been providing all nursing stations in First Nations communities with additional protective medical supplies such as gloves, gowns and masks," she said. "We have pre-positioned anti-virals so if they are needed in the remote.
http://www.theprovince.com/health/Ottawa+First+Nations+announce+strategy/2012224/story.html
By Tiffany Crawford, Canwest News Service
September 19, 2009 8:01 AM
The federal government announced Saturday a joint action plan with Canada's First Nations to deal with a potentially deadly outbreak of H1N1 flu should it hit remote aboriginal communities.Photograph by: Canwest News Service, Canwest News ServiceOTTAWA -- The federal government announced Saturday a joint action plan with Canada's First Nations to deal with a potentially deadly outbreak of H1N1 flu should it hit remote aboriginal communities.
Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq, along with Chuck Strahl, minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, and newly elected Assembly of First Nations Chief Shawn Atleo signed a communication protocol to deal with issues such as the delivery of medical supplies and water to all aboriginal communities.
The plan includes monthly committee meetings with government officials and First Nations leaders as well as a "virtual summit" co-chaired by Aglukkaq and Atleo near the end of October on how to deal with the H1N1, formerly known as swine flu.
"The virtual summit complements the intent of the collaboration and working together as partners, Chief Atleo, the government of Canada and First Nations communities will be ready (for) a new wave of H1N1 if and when we need to," said Aglukkaq.
Atleo said the agreement is an important step forward in working together to prevent a potential crisis in remote aboriginal communities.
"We know that our people are at risk and we know they are more vulnerable . . . whether it is overcrowding and housing issues or poverty or access to water. The isolation gives rise to challenges to get health care," said Atleo.
"Like so many of our communities there are excellent efforts happening on the ground, hard-working frontline health workers, and this effort is about listening to each other and to work closely with one another. Our people deserve this."
Aglukkaq said the federal government has made information available on its "fight flu" website, which has specific information on First Nations communities. She said Health Canada is working with aboriginal communities to update and co-ordinate their pandemic plans.
"We've been providing all nursing stations in First Nations communities with additional protective medical supplies such as gloves, gowns and masks," she said. "We have pre-positioned anti-virals so if they are needed in the remote.
http://www.theprovince.com/health/Ottawa+First+Nations+announce+strategy/2012224/story.html