FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ottawa, ON (January 16, 2013) Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada will host a Hepatitis C National Inuit Strategic Planning Session in Kuujjuaq, Nunavik, from January 20-21, 2013. The session will consist of panel presentations on national Aboriginal and Inuit-specific Hepatitis C initiatives, provincial and territorial hepatitis C programs and services, regional programs and priorities and Inuit-specific initiatives and resources. The two-day strategic planning session will host members from all of the four Inuit regions, the Canadian Inuit HIV/AIDS Network (CIHAN), the Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (CAAN), Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE), Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).
In February 2012, Pauktuutit hosted the Tukisiviit National Inuit Sexual Health Literacy Forum in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador. During the forum, one day was committed to meet with Pauktuutit’s hepatitis C advisory committee to facilitate the development of accurate terminology for hepatitis C to increase health literacy among Inuit. Since the forum, Pauktuutit has produced brochures and other resources to encourage Inuit and health service providers to improve communication and understanding of hepatitis C. For more information please visit www.pauktuutit.ca.
Pauktuutit’s efforts to address hepatitis C among Inuit have been based on the logical and progressive development and implementation of highly successful prevention and education activities, which are guided and informed by Inuit and other experts in the field. During the strategic planning session in Kuujjuaq, four strategic priorities will be discussed; prevention and promotion, research and surveillance, testing and health service delivery and, care, treatment and support.
Media Contact
Geri Bailey, Manager, Health Policy and Programs
613-601-3977
gbailey@pauktuutit.ca
Hepatitis C Press Release