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Aboriginal Nurses concerned about impact of H1N1 on First Nations, Métis and Inuit people at high health risk
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Ottawa, July 17, 2009 - In response to the World Health Organization's announcement that all nations need to set priorities for the H1N1 vaccine as the pandemic is deemed unstoppable, the Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada (A.N.A.C.) wants to highlight the critical need for ensuring the priority of First Nations, Inuit and Métis in receiving the seasonal flu vaccine when available in September and the pandemic H1N1 later in October or November.
Rosella Kinoshameg, President of A.N.A.C., stressed the importance of "keeping the needs of Aboriginal peoples, in both urban and traditional territories, in mind when setting priorities." Both WHO and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) have identified priority categories highlighting youth, pregnant women and for people with underlying health conditions.
As the H1N1 virus evolves and changes, it continues to disproportionately affect young people and Canada's Aboriginal population is very young. Approximately 50% of First Nations are 25 years or younger compared to the median age of 40 for non-Aboriginals Canadians. Of these, over 1/3 of all First Nation children are under 15 years of age (Source: First Nations Peoples: Selected Findings of 2006 Census - May 12, 2009). Aboriginal people also have disproportionately more underlying health conditions than the average Canadian population primarily related to long standing issues of poverty, inadequate housing, unemployment and access to ongoing economic development opportunities.
Of particular concern to A.N.A.C. is the impact that treating multiple cases of H1N1 will have on smaller and more remote communities, particularly as many Aboriginal people continue to live in very overcrowded conditions and over 100 First Nation communities still do not have clean running water. The issue is not only the immediate identification and treatment of cases, but also for the nursing support needed for severe cases which can result in extended hospital stays as well as for lengthy home support in the community after hospital discharge. Compounding this issue is the shortage of nursing and other health care staff, particularly in rural and remote areas. Kinoshameg noted that this has resulted in situations where nurses working in First Nation communities are being overworked and burned out. PHAC is aware of these psychological and social needs and are now taking them in account in their planning.
Representatives from PHAC have assured all Canadians and Aboriginal organizations that while supplies, such as equipment, masks and vaccines can be mobilized quickly, they acknowledge that qualified human resources issues continue to be an issue, especially in remote areas. As the capacity to support the fall vaccination process as well as the care for H1N1 cases will stretch all health service delivery resources, A.N.A.C. is very proud of the role its members and other health care providers are doing to work with communities in prevention activities, stressing hand washing and the use of sanitizers, as well as in supporting the needs of the those affected by H1N1.
A.N.A.C. has also started compiling a list of recently retired members who would be willing to help as needed. The response has been positive and we are honoured by the commitment of our members to offer assistance as the fall flu season rapidly approaches.
For More Information Contact :
Audrey Lawrence
Executive Director
A.N.A.C.
(613) 724-4677, ext. 23
alawrence@anac.on.ca
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