The Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA) releases two health status reports
December 2022
The Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA) released two health status reports in September 2022. This pair of reports were approved by the Chiefs in Assembly at the Annual General Meeting:
- Diabetes Report (Shookaawaapinewini Maawantoonikewin); and
- Childhood Vaccination Coverage Report (Minikohk Kaachiitaaw-ontwaa Awaahshishak Waaninaankaawi Tipenchikewinik)
These reports follow the Child Health Status Report in 2018 and an Adult Health Status report in 2019.
The Diabetes Report shows a significant burden of illness in the region that has increased between 2008 and 2019 and is in stark contrast to the rest of the province.
The Childhood Vaccination Report found vaccination coverage rates well below the provincial averages and Canadian targets. This means that communities are at a higher risk to infectious diseases. It also points to a data access problem, since SLFNHA has no access to immunization data for community members who are vaccinated off-reserve.
These two reports are a call to action to improve health services at the community level and across the region.