October 5, 2022
Under the direction of the Chiefs-in-Assembly, Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA) has released its Diabetes and Childhood Vaccination Coverage reports. The reports highlight the disproportionate burden of health outcomes and health inequities within northern First Nations. SLFNHA calls for improved resources to support diabetes and vaccination programs.
“We are calling on the Federal and Provincial governments to provide us with a plan to increase supports for food security, food sovereignty, and improved health services for our northern First Nations. The burden of illness is increasing and the disparity between northern First Nations and Ontario is growing.” Janet Gordon, Acting CEO and President
Both reports reaffirm major health care gaps in First Nations, like critical staffing shortages and lack of sustainable funding that have persisted.
The reports also point to major health care gaps in First Nations, like critical staffing shortages and lack of sustainable funding. Findings in the Diabetes Report show that people living in Sioux Lookout area First Nations are getting diabetes at a younger age and are experiencing severe complications at a higher rate compared to the rest of Ontario.
Data from the Vaccination Coverage Report shows that the inequitable health services in northern communities resulted in vaccination coverage rates falling far below provincial averages and national goals. As a result, communities are at risk of outbreaks from vaccine-preventable diseases.
The reports have been released as an urgent call-to-action to address health inequities caused by systemic racism and colonial policies that have altered the Anishinabe way of life. Data from the reports goes to 2019, just prior to the onset of the pandemic.
