Creating Culturally Relevant HIV/ AIDS Education, Prevention & Treatment for Canadian Inuit

In 2008, Canadian Aboriginal people (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) represented eight percent of all HIV (including AIDS) cases and, twelve percent of all new infections. HIV infects Aboriginal people at a younger age and, among a higher proportion of women when compared to other populations. The burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are exceedingly high among Inuit with rates higher than ten times the national average. The rates of STIs, along with limited access to healthcare (such as anonymous HIV testing), isolation, harsh climate among other issues like addictions, poverty, domestic violence and mental health are considerable risk factors for HIV infections in Inuit populations. The purpose of this grant is to bring together a renewed research team involving members of Pauktuutit Inuit Women Association of Canada, Dalhousie University School of Nursing, Canadian Aboriginal Aids Networks and key stakeholders from Inuit communities in Nunavut for a three day grant writing retreat and partnership building gathering. The aim of this retreat is to address an important Federal Initiative on Aboriginal health, which would involve developing a program of research to address the complex issues related to HIV and AIDs among Inuit people, with a specific focus on education, prevention and treatment. As a team, we are concerned about the continual threat of a HIV epidemic in Inuit communities. Recognizing that mass screening and testing for HIV in Inuit communities is not presently an option we feel that it is important to turn our attention to education and prevention activities in an effort to reach Inuit populations.