Aids could explode in the Native community

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A chilling report on AIDS in the Canadian Native community says cases of the always-fatal disease cold explode.

There are 24 reported AIDS cases in the Native community but there are serious questions about the extent of under reporting. "Even if the reported number of cases is viewed as accurate, there may be as many as 6,300 Indian people infected with HIV, unaware of the fact and capable of spreading the virus," says the recently released report on aboriginal AIDS education and prevention.

The world Health Organization says the confirmed cases should be multiplied by 40, which would bring the number of Natives with AIDS to 960. The HIV infection, which causes AIDS, can lay dormant for 8-10 years before there are any symptoms.

AIDS in the Native community seems to mirror mainstream Canadian society but the high STD (sexually transmitted disease) rates may increase HIV infections among Native Heterosexuals.

The report says it's important Natives be made aware while currant data indicates homosexual/bisexual activities and sharing needles "are the main factors in transmitting HIV, high STD rates may indicate spread into the heterosexual community."

Natives have a rate of STDs five times the national average. Sixty-seven percent of current AIDS cases among Natives have been reported as being acquired through homosexual or bisexual activity.

High alcoholism rates also put Natives at great risk of contracting HIV. Alcohol and other drugs are associated with high-risk sexual behavior.

While unsafe sex has resulted in the largest number of reported aboriginal AIDS cases, "there is fear substance abuse, specifically injection drug use, will emerge as a significant contributor to the spread of HIV in the near future".

What is especially frightening is that AIDS in the Native community is the spreading through heterosexual contact. Twenty-five percent of AIDS cases in the Native community are women, over twice the national average.

Typically in industrialized countries like Canada and the U.S., heterosexual transmission is responsible for only a small number of cases.

Many Natives deny the existence of homosexuals, bisexuals, and lesbians forcing many Natives "to lead a double life," one on the reserve and one in the city "placing women and unborn children at risk," says the report.

And once a Native tests positive for HIV, their distrust of the medical system, lack of information, lack of access to health care and fear of discrimination may delay intervention of the disease, says the report.

Remote aboriginal communities do not have equal access to health information from television and illiteracy rates place the value of printed material in question, says the report.

Aboriginals must start viewing AIDS as a threat to their communities, urges the report.

"Aboriginal people at the community level do not view AIDS education and prevention as a priority due to lack of knowledge," concludes the report released in December.

Research indicates a need for "aboriginal specific AIDS education and prevention activities" and the message would be heard if delivered by Native resource people.

The report indicates it's up to "First Nations to indicate aboriginal AIDS" education by stimulating community interest and concern. More visible social issues, like alcoholism, are occupying Natives, Says the report.

AIDS prevention must focus on behavioral change and alternate lifestyles as, "the ultimate goal of AIDS education."

The joint committee on Aboriginal AIDS Education and Prevention, which put together the document, was created in 1989. The report is also available in Inuktitut.