ASSIGNMENT 1

Assignment #1
Jaimie Short
6164818
Introduction to Environmental Health
Instructor: Ken Diplock
2016-09-29

ASSIGNMENT 1

In the article Saskatchewan should declare an HIV-AIDS public health emergency, Picard
(2016) discusses a rise in HIV infections that has been documented by primary care physicians
across the province. HIV infection rates in Saskatchewan have climbed to an alarming rate of
13.8 per 100,000 population; this is nearly double the national infection rate of 7.4 per 100,000
population. Underneath these provincial numbers lies an even bigger problem; the infection rate
on Saskatchewans indigenous reserves has increased to 64 cases per 100,000. Across the rest of
Canada, we have seen a decline in new cases in HIV. HIV rates on some Saskatchewan reserves
are comparable to some African countries such as Nigeria (Leo, 2015).
This article has been thoughtfully written and supported with provincial data by the
author. I agree with the author that the increasing infection rates should be alarming to the
province. Each new case of HIV costs the health care system over $500,000 (Picard, 2016).
However, from my perspective addressing the HIV infection rate is like trying to stamp out an
ember while fire rages in the background. Picard (2016) mentions, like all infectious diseases,
HIV preys on people who live in poverty and in dismal conditions such as those that are
commonplace on reserves. The fires burning are the inequalities in the social determinants of
health within our indigenous populations.
Historically, Canada has an abysmal track record when it comes to supporting the health
and well-being of our indigenous populations. From our shameful involvement in residential
schools to derelict housing in Attawaskipat, or a lack of clean drinking water on many reserves,
there are significant health and social disparities between our indigenous populations and the
majority of Canadians. Although the increase in HIV rates sheds some light on the conditions on
the many reserves, it could be opportunity to invite a bigger conversation around improving
environmental conditions and quality of life.

ASSIGNMENT 1

Reading and Wien (2009) share that, individuals, communities and nations that
experience inequalities in the social determinants of health not only carry an additional burden of
health problems, but they are often restricted from access to resources that might ameliorate
problems (p. 7). Saskatchewan needs to develop resources that will support individuals living
with the disease, educate communities with significant at-risk populations and address the
nationwide health disparities on indigenous reserves in order to improve the HIV infection rate.
To ensure that individuals are better supported, the reserve programs could look at
implementing needle exchange programs to prevent the spread of HIV through intravenous drug
use. Another consideration is to ensure that they get the health resources that they need to
improve their quality of life. The development of support groups for those living with HIV could
help to build better social networks which have aided, people solve problems and deal with
adversity, as well as in maintaining a sense of mastery and control over life circumstances
(Public Health Agency of Canada, 2013).
Community-wide, public health programs could be set up to encourage HIV testing, and
health education campaigns that focus on safe sex. Nationally, we need to look at closing the gap
on the inequalities between indigenous people and the majority of Canadians. This can be done
through job creation, policies that aim to improving living conditions and increase literacy and
education. The province should address increased HIV infection rates but they also need to find
ways to put the fires out. To decrease the rate of HIV-infection on reserves and improve quality
of life, the province needs to develop a long-term strategy that looks at improving the social
determinants of health for all indigenous people.

ASSIGNMENT 1

4
References

Leo, A. (2015, June 3). HIV rates on Saskatchewan reserves higher than some African nations.
CBC. Retrieved from http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/hiv-rates-on-saskreserves-higher-than-some-african-nations-1.3097231
Picard, A. (2016, September 19). Saskatchewan should declare HIVAIDS public health
emergency. The Globe and Mail. Retrieved from
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/data-points-to-hiv-crisis-insaskatchewan/article31948500/
Public Health Agency of Canada. (2013). What Makes Canadians Healthy or Unhealthy? Toward
a Healthy Future: Second Report on the Health of Canadians. Retrieved from
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ph-sp/determinants/determinants-eng.php#unhealthy
Reading, C.L. & Wien, F. (2009). Health Inequalities and Social Determinants of Aboriginal
Peoples' Health. Prince George, BC: National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health.