Canadian Red Cross calls for awareness of HIV rates among First Nations

(Ottawa – November 28, 2006) As World AIDS Day approaches on December 1, Secretary General of Canadian Red Cross, Dr. Pierre Duplessis is calling for awareness of the disproportionate number of HIV/AIDS infections among Canada’s Aboriginals by visiting the ‘Tipi of Courage’ program in Southern Alberta. Although First Nation communities in Canada represent only three per cent of the population, they represent five to eight per cent of new HIV infections.

“It is a devastating reality that Canadian aboriginal communities are plagued by HIV infection rates mirroring some of those in developing countries. We are responding to this global pandemic around the world and see the effects of it on communities around the world, but we are also deeply concerned about our own First Nations communities in Canada,” says Dr. Duplessis.    

The Tipi of Courage is a community-based initiative, which is a partnership between Canadian Red Cross and the Aboriginal section of Calgary’s Coalition on HIV/AIDS. Volunteers deliver workshops to empower Aboriginal people to protect themselves against the threat of HIV/AIDS with teachings gathered from First Nation communities across Canada blended with traditional workshops about the disease. To date, the Tipi of Courage has reached 15,000 people.

Twenty-five years after the isolation of the HIV/AIDS virus, the International Red Cross Movement remains on the frontlines to help tackle this pandemic internationally through a network of over 97 million volunteers.

Given their population size, HIV infection rates occurring in China and India are of great concern. Canadian Red Cross is supporting community-based programs in both countries to help educate and support groups particularly at risk of contracting HIV, such as commercial sex workers, intravenous drug users, and young people. These programs draw on local Red Cross volunteers to also help tackle the stigma that prevents many people from being tested and treated.

The Canadian Red Cross is supporting an International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies appeal for $342 million to support a five-year program to increase existing community-based care programs in Southern Africa. This area represents the worst-affected region in the world with approximately 12.3 million people living with HIV, including 860,000 children less than 14 years old.

Canadians wishing to make a financial donation may donate online, call 1-800-418-1111 or contact their local Canadian Red Cross office. The 24-hour toll free line accepts Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Cheques should be made payable to the Canadian Red Cross, and mailed to Canadian Red Cross National Office, 170 Metcalfe Street, Suite 300, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 2P2.

The Canadian Red Cross is a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which includes the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and 185 national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The Canadian Red Cross mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world.

Tipi of Courage»

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For more information or to organize interviews, please call the Canadian Red Cross Media Relations line at (613) 740-1994.

Posted November 28, 2006