A group of northern Saskatchewan organizations has launched a campaign designed to address HIV/AIDS in the region.
The Northern Healthy Communities Partnership (NHCP) hopes the initiative will increase awareness and understanding of HIV/AIDS, urge people to get tested and reduce stigma around the infections.
Key campaign messages are being disseminated through various means, including posters, radio ads, websites and the Health Is Vital mobile phone app.
Ron Woytowich, chairman of the Mamawetan Churchill River Health Region, an NHCP partner, said he hopes the initiative “will enhance knowledge and reduce myths about HIV in order to maximize prevention.”
It is estimated that one in four people with HIV in Saskatchewan are not aware they have the infection.
Individuals who get tested for HIV and know their status can access treatment and care earlier, stay healthy longer and reduce the risk of transmission to others.
HIV/AIDS-related stigma remains a challenge in communities across northern Saskatchewan and can be a barrier to people accessing testing, care and understanding how to prevent getting and transmitting HIV.
“HIV is a chronic disease that is manageable with medication,” said Dr. Nnamdi Ndubuka, medical health officer for Northern Intertribal Health Authority Board of Chiefs. “HIV does not discriminate and anyone can get HIV regardless of race, ethnicity, age or sexual orientation.”
The NHCP’s campaign comes as the news media raises awareness of the growing number of HIV infections in northern Saskatchewan.
The NHCP is made up of 24 partner organizations across northern Saskatchewan, including the Creighton School Division and Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation.
– With files from an NHCP news release
