Chronic and Infectious Diseases
There is a growing crisis of chronic and infectious diseases experienced by First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
While the burden of these diseases has not been shared equally, elevated rates of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and certain cancers, and infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis and sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI), have been experienced by Indigenous populations.
There is also the potential for disproportionate impacts of pandemics, such as coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the H1N1 influenza for First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. Chronic and infectious diseases experienced by First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples must be understood through multiple and complex risk factors that can be attributed to the rapid social, cultural, and environmental changes associated with colonization.
Ongoing systemic and structural health inequities, social exclusion, and racism experienced by First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples mean they often lack proper housing, water and food security, and consistent access to health care. These risk factors contribute to the rise in these illnesses as well as poorer health outcomes among Indigenous individuals.