Saskatchewan Hiv Strategy Case Study

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SASKATCHEWAN HIV STRATEGY
Abstract
Since 2003, Saskatchewan has experienced a substantial increase in the number of new cases of HIV. To add with, it records the highest rates of HIV cases in Canada as of 2010. This report proposes a strategy that will help lower the number of new infections among the first nation inhabitants. The strategy promotes both traditional and cultural ways for individuals living with HIV and AIDS to acquire treatment, cultural care, and total support in addressing the issue. The Saskatchewan expounds on the knowledge and provides necessary steps to challenge the HIV rising rates experienced in the province in the course of the next four years.
Objectives
The Saskatchewan HIV Strategy seeks to decrease the number …show more content…

The HIV epidemiology in Saskatchewan differs with other parts of Canada with injection of drug use accounting for 75% of new cases recorded in 2009 (Ha, Pacquette and Tarasuk 49). Factors such as poverty, lack of education, child abuse, inadequate housing, and family wrangles are some of social determinants of health that increases the risks of HIV acquisition especially during drug injection usage. An estimate of direct costs related to the health care system of Saskatchewan is approximately 40 million dollars per year. On the other hand, it is estimated that indirect costs associated with HIV/AIDS are 2.4times that of the direct costs (Roger, Mignone and Kirkland …show more content…

Ha, Shalene et al, (60) assert that majority of individuals live in unsupportive environments thus decline to disclose their HIV status to others for fear of discrimination. As a goal of Community education and engagement, the strategy seeks to increase HIV programming ownership within communities to develop locally relevant approaches to educate on HIV-related discrimination. The management of community activities is best dealt with tribal councils, CBOs (community-based organizations), or the community themselves. In addition, development of peer to peer model assist in providing support to high risk population groups like pregnant women, HIV-positive youths, and drug injection users to depress stigma and shape relationships along the health care