Canada/US Renew MOU On Indigenous Health

The MOU was first implemented in 2002, out of a mutual recognition by the Governments of Canada and the United States of America that the health status of First Nations and Inuit in Canada and American Indians and Alaska Natives in the United States share many of the same characteristics and challenges. The agreement aims to improve the health of Indigenous peoples' in Canada and the US by sharing experiences and best practices in policy development, research and the provision of health services between officials, community members, researchers and health service providers. "We have made important strides in raising the health status of indigenous people in the United States and Canada through the sharing of health information, education, and training over the past five years of this partnership,'' U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Leavitt said. "This new agreement holds much promise for future improvements in quality health care services and overall health promotion for Native communities in the United States and Canada." Examples of progress made in the last five years include nursing personnel exchanges, which provided primary health care givers the opportunity to share best practices and improve the service they deliver to Indigenous communities. As well, a Joint Summer Institute for Indigenous Health Researchwas established to provide young Indigenous researchers the opportunity to share research and knowledge in the battle to overcome the many social determinants of health specific to Indigenous people. ... http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/nr-cp/2007/2007_154_e.html

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