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HIV among Inuit
HIV/AIDS Risk and Prevention Issues Among Inuit Living in Nunavut Territory of Canada
 

“There is a lack of data on the extent of HIV/AIDS among Inuit….Therefore this study was undertaken to fulfil this glaring void…”

Based on the author’s own research, undertaken during 3 visits to the Canadian Arctic and the published literature, this review assesses the risk of HIV infection among Inuit and evaluates current prevention strategies among Canadian Inuit populations. Finding that HIV/AIDS poses a considerable threat to Canadian Inuit public health, Alexander Kumar suggests that the most important problem to be addressed is Inuit lack of awareness and understanding of HIV. Inuit-specific and culture-sensitive educational interventions are recommended as a strategy for prevention. Further research opportunities exist to investigate Inuit understanding of HIV/AIDS issues and to assess local prevention efforts, Kumar argues.

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