| For immediate release - | 2003-37 |
OTTAWA (October 28, 2003) - Dr. Jeff Reading, Scientific Director of the Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health (IAPH) of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Health Canada's Natural Health Products Directorate. The MOU puts in place the necessary framework for funding of a health research team that will conduct research in the area of diabetes with the Cree of Northern Quebec.
"The CIHR Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health is proud to fund the scientific investigation of traditional medicine in Cree communities in Northern Quebec," said Dr. Jeff Reading. "This study will examine the value of traditional medicine with the Cree using advanced biomedical methods. The partnership between CIHR and Health Canada is unique and underscores the fact that Indigenous people have much to contribute to the field of health research."
The prevalence of diabetes in Aboriginal populations is high. In the Cree population of Northern Quebec it has increased from 4.1% in 1989 to 12.5% in 2002. As a result of the Health Canada/CIHR MOU, Dr. Pierre Haddad from the Université de Montréal will lead a team of researchers who will explore ways to integrate traditional medicine with modern science in order to improve the health of the Cree of Northern Quebec. Together with Cree healers and Elders, this team will identify the plants recommended for the greatest number of diabetes symptoms. Laboratory tests and a clinical trial will be carried out to understand the effectiveness of these plants. At the same time, a survey will identify the most appropriate way to incorporate traditional yet standardized plant extracts into the Cree diet and lifestyle.
The project was made possible as a result of CIHR's New Emerging Team (NET) Grant program that is designed to support the creation and development of new health research teams that lay the foundation for future successes in Canadian research. Funding for Dr. Haddad's project was formally announced by Minister of Health Anne McLellan on October 6, 2003.
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For more information contact:
Janet Weichel McKenzie
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Tel: 613-941-4563
Krista Apse
Health Canada
Tel: 613-941-8189
The Natural Health Products Directorate, Health Products and Foods Branch, Health Canada was created in 1999 with the mission to ensure that all Canadians have ready access to Natural Health Products that are safe, effective, and of high quality, while respecting the freedom of choice and philosophical and cultural diversity. In addition to developing a regulatory framework for Natural Health Products, the directorate is also tasked with supporting and fostering research involving natural health products.
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research is the Government of Canada's premier agency for health research. Its objective is to excel, according to internationally accepted standards of scientific excellence, in the creation of new knowledge and its translation into improved health for Canadians, more effective health services and products and a strengthened Canadian health care system.
One of CIHR's 13 Institutes, the goal of the Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health (IAPH) is to lead an advanced research agenda in the area of Aboriginal health, and to promote innovative research in this field. The longer-term outcome of this research will lead to improvements in the health of Aboriginal peoples.
Seated, From Left to Right
Dr. Jeff Reading, Scientific Director of CIHR's Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health; Mr. Stephen Augustine, Hereditary Chief of the Mik'maq Grand Council; Dr. Phil Waddington, Director General, Natural Health Products Directorate, Health Canada
