BC Tripartite Process Supports BC First Nations H1N1 Readiness

News Release - Government of Canada, Government of British Columbia, and First Nations Health Council Reaffirm Commitment to Tripartite First Nations Health Plan

Backgrounder

First Nations in British Columbia are well positioned to deal with the H1N1 pandemic through cooperation brought about by the Tripartite First Nations Health Plan. Since July 2009, a Tripartite H1N1 Partners Group has been meeting to coordinate pandemic planning and service delivery to best protect First Nations in the coming fall flu season.

The Tripartite H1N1 Partners Group exemplifies the cooperative efforts of the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia and the First Nations Health Council to improve the health outcomes of BC First Nations through the Tripartite First Nations Health Plan. Membership of the Group includes: the Office of the Provincial Health Officer, including BC's Aboriginal Health Physician Advisor, the Provincial Health Services Authority, Medical Health Officers (MHO) from each Health Authority, First Nations and Inuit Health - BC Region, and the First Nations Health Council.

The H1N1 influenza virus first appeared in British Columbia in April 2009. Since that time the number of lab-confirmed H1N1 cases in First Nations communities has been relatively small. However, a number of BC First Nations people have experienced Influenza Like Illness (ILI) both on and off-reserve. In the majority of cases, like other Canadians, First Nations individuals are experiencing only mild symptoms. It is expected that the second wave of H1N1 this fall will result in more cases.

Much has been done to prepare for the pandemic. Almost all First Nations communities in BC have Community Pandemic Plans in place. In support and in addition to these plans, the Tripartite H1N1 Partners Group meet on a weekly basis to identify gaps, align resources and coordinate communications to ensure British Columbia's First Nation communities have the information they require to effectively face and manage the pandemic.

As a key priority, the Tripartite H1N1 Partners Group is completing an Action Plan for pandemic response for remote and isolated First Nation communities. The Group is working to identify remote communities that may require a targeted response. Next steps for this group include planning for the upcoming distribution of the pandemic influenza vaccine.

All parties are committed to maintaining and improving their strong working relationship to ensure BC First Nations communities receive the care and support they need.