Media Advisory: AFN, ITK call for urgent action on TB at Global Experts Meeting to be Held in Toronto

OTTAWA, Nov. 5 – On November 12-14th 2008 Public health experts and Indigenous leaders from 60 countries will meet, in Toronto, to carve out a plan aimed at reducing the burden of Tuberculosis among Indigenous peoples who are at higher risk of contracting the disease. The meeting is the first of its kind and will be co-hosted by the Assembly of First Nations and the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.During the 5 year period 2002-2006, the First Nations TB rate (on and off reserve) was 29 times higher than among the non-aboriginal population born in Canada. For the Inuit, it was 90 times higher. Inuit Pacific Islanders and Maoris are at least 10 times more likely to contract tuberculosis (TB) than other people living in New Zealand. The indigenous people of Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland) are 45 times more likely to get active TB than Danish-born residents.

Across the globe indigenous peoples face higher rates of TB due to issues related to poverty such as poor housing, poor nutrition and a lack of access to health services. Representatives from the Assembly of First Nations, the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the STOP TB Partnership are calling for urgent action to halve the incidence of TB among indigenous peoples by 2015.

Press Conference:

Date: November 13th 2008
Location: Pantages Hotel 200 Victoria Street, Toronto Ontario
Time: 11:30 a.m.

Other highlights

Opening remarks by National Chief Phil Fontaine, ITK President Mary Simon, and Dr Marcos Espinal, Executive Secretary of the Stop TB Partnership.
Location: Pantages Hotel 200 Victoria Street, Toronto Ontario
Time: 8:30 a.m.

Attached Photos:

Canada: Cross Lake FN, Manitoba: Over-crowding,
Canada: Iqaluit shacks on the beach

Canada: Cross Lake FN, Manitoba: Mould on the wall beside children’s bed
Canada: Cross Lake Manitoba: Children live in 2-room cabin without running water.
Canada: Iqaluit home interior with obvious wall damage.
Nepal: Transporting a Patient. Remote government health centre,
New Zealand: Community participation in Health Promotion Day

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For further information: Karyn Pugliese, Acting Communications Director, Assembly of First Nations, (613) 292-1877, kpugliese@afn.ca; Stephen Hendrie, Senior Communications Officer, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, (613) 277-3178, hendrie@itk.ca