A group of Saskatchewan medical professionals are calling for the government to declare a public health state of emergency in response to the provincial HIV rate, which is almost double the national average.
“We’re trying to raise the alarm and say this is an emergency, we’re seeing it, we perceive this as an emergency,” said Dr. Stephen Sanche, a Saskatoon-based infectious disease specialist, who is part of the group who called on the government to act Monday.
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Sanche said that Saskatchewan’s HIV rates had declined from 2009-14. However, he noted that last year the trend reversed and there were 158 new cases.
“Two people are dying every month and over ten people are being diagnosed with new infection every month,” Sanche said.
“I can tell you anecdotally what we’re seeing with our patients is that 2016 is going to be at least as bad as 2015.”
Dr. Denise Werker, the deputy chief provincial medical health officer, said that states of emergency do not exist under the Public Health Act. However, she said the province is fighting the virus through an annual $4 million HIV specific investment stemming from a provincial strategy that ended in 2014.
“The HIV strategy in Saskatchewan introduced significant new funding into the system and that funding continues to this day,” Werker said.
“That money has funded 30 new full-time employees dedicated to HIV prevention and control activities.”
Government officials also said efforts to lower HIV rates did not stop when the strategy concluded. A spokesperson pointed out a number of improvements, including an increase in HIV testing by 48 per cent since 2009 and the hiring of 10 registered nurses dedicated to HIV treatment.
Sanche said the government’s efforts are insufficient. His group has 10 recommendations on how to combat the epidemic in Saskatchewan, including universal HIV screening and full financial coverage for treatment.
“We aren’t asking for a specific amount of money, we’re asking for appropriate resources that will match the problem,” Sanche said.
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Sanche and his group said the provincial government, federal government and indigenous leaders need to come together as part of the plan to combat the epidemic.
Danita Wahpoosewyan joined Sanche during his call for action Monday. She said she’s lived with HIV for 11 years and wants more people to speak out against the virus in order to reduce its stigma.
“I want to see the rates being lowered, I want to see our people become healthy individuals,” Wahpoosewyan said.
“This problem is growing in my community.”