A new report is out reaffirming trends of poor health and an under-funded system for Indigenous communities in northern Ontario.
The Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority has released its Diabetes and Childhood Vaccination Coverage Report, under the direction of the Chiefs-in-Assembly.
It calls for improved resources to support diabetes and vaccination programs.
Health Authority Acting CEO and President Janet Gordon says they are calling on the Federal and Provincial governments to provide the organization with a plan to increase supports for food security, food sovereignty, and improved health conditions for northern First Nations.
Gordon says, “The burden of illness is increasing and the disparity between northern First Nations and Ontario is growing.”
Findings in the Diabetes Report show that First Nations children aged 10 to 14 in the Sioux Lookout area were diagnosed with diabetes at twice the rate (62.5%) than the Ontario average in 2019 and the rate of lower limb amputation has doubled between 2008 and 2019, while the provincial average has trended slightly downward.
Data from the Vaccination Report shows vaccination coverage rates falling far below provincial averages and national goals.
Officials stress communities are at a greater risk of outbreaks from preventable diseases as a result.
The complete reports are available on the SLFNHA website
