U of S awarded $2.4M for Indigenous healthcare, stroke recovery, and cancer research
SASKATOON – Two Indigenous health initiatives are among four University of Saskatchewan (U of S) research projects awarded more than $2.4 million by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR).
“This major health funding will accelerate research into cancer, stroke, and infectious diseases such as HIV, improving the lives of patients and their families,” said Vice-President Research Karen Chad, “This funding success also underscores our commitment to community-based research and to incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing.”
Dr. Alexandra King, Cameco Chair in Indigenous Health, is leading the two projects with an Indigenous focus: studying the potential benefits of peer support for Indigenous women who have HIV or hepatitis C, and examining how to improve health and wellness in older Indigenous women living with HIV.
Saskatchewan has the highest rate of HIV in Canada - - 2.3 times higher than the national diagnosis rate, according to the provincial government. HIV and hepatitis disproportionately affect Indigenous peoples and in particular, Indigenous women.
In a $1.39-million study, King will examine the role of “peer navigator” support in helping Indigenous women living with HIV and hepatitis to better connect with, navigate, and receive support from the healthcare system. Peer navigators are individuals who have gained wisdom of particular conditions through lived experience, and who receive further training and education on health and related issues.
Read the full story on the University of Saskatchewan website.