Dear friends and colleagues,
I have incredible news to share!
After years of campaigning for change — to give term Inuit babies, and other Indigenous babies from remote communities, access to a potentially life saving medication to prevent RSV — we are thrilled to announce that the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NAHCI) has recognized the increased risk for Indigenous infants in Canada. This includes the requirement to be transported by air ambulance long distances away from their community if they need admission.
Term Indigenous infants “whose transportation for severe RSV disease treatment is complex, and/or whose risk of severe RSV disease intersects with established social and structural health determinants such as those experienced by some Indigenous communities across First Nations, Métis and Inuit populations” are now considered high priority for the new RSV antibody Nirsevimab (BEYFORTUS).
As a result of the research completed, evidence provided and advocacy from almost a quarter of a million people - WE ARE DECLARING VICTORY!
Allowing access to this life-saving medication will greatly reduce hospitalizations, reduce suffering and loss of life due to RSV.
Although together we have worked towards equity in policy, we need to remain vigilant in ensuring that all remote Indigenous communities receive the resources to actually implement this program.
I am so grateful to all the people who have worked hard over the last few decades to gather the evidence and advocate for equity. This includes over 226,000 people, like you, who have signed this petition. Each of you has played a role in making it clear that Inuit and other Indigenous infants deserve equitable access to this life saving medication.
Thank you so much for your support,
Anna Banerji O.Ont., MD, MPH, FRCPC, FAAP, DTM&H CTropMed
Executive Director, North American Refugee Health Conference Inc.
Mark the Date: September 11-13 2025
We launched this petition in honour of my late Inuit son, Nathan. I think he would be proud.