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HIV STRATEGY NEXT STEPS IDENTIFIED

Released on March 27, 2009

Saskatchewan's Chief Medical Health Officer, leading a provincial working group of health experts and partners, has identified some early steps that will be undertaken to address the rising number of new HIV infections. In 2008 there were more than 170 new cases of HIV infection in the province.

These initiatives include:
• building capacity
• enhancing capability, and
• engaging communities.

The Ministry will work with health regions to strengthen capacity with additional human resources to enable intensive case management, increased clinical access and increased surveillance and testing. This will be in addition to the current range of HIV/AIDs programs and services.

Capability will be enhanced through training and sharing of expertise and experience regarding how to work effectively with higher-risk populations.

The working group also identified a strong need for community involvement and engagement in reducing the stigma around HIV infection, and support for individuals so they will come forward for testing and any necessary treatment.

"We know that HIV numbers have been climbing steadily over the last few years," Health Minister Don McMorris said. "Our government is supporting aggressive measures to respond to this important public health issue, in addition to the current programs and services already funded."

"We really want to encourage anyone who is at-risk, but particularly young pregnant women, to get tested, because transmission of the virus to the baby is preventable" Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Moira McKinnon said. "It's important for community leaders to play a role in changing attitudes toward communicable diseases."

Those currently most at risk for HIV appear to be injection drug users. Longer-term solutions will require links to a strong addictions strategy and intensified harm reduction strategies with an emphasis on prevention and treatment.

The initial working group included representatives from aboriginal groups, addictions, federal government, health regions, public health and jurisdictions outside of Saskatchewan that have faced similar situations.

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For more information, contact:

Karen Hill
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-7874083

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