While attending the Inuit Circumpolar Council’s (ICC) 15th General Assembly in Iqaluit, Naalakkersuisoq for Health and Persons with Disabilities, Anna Wangenheim, visited Nunavut’s hospital, Qikiqtani General Hospital, and met with Nunavut’s Minister of Health, Janet Brewster.
The visit provided an opportunity to exchange experiences regarding the many challenges and opportunities that Greenland and Nunavut share as Arctic communities.
During the meeting, it became clear that the two regions face the same challenges in many areas. Both healthcare systems are working to recruit and retain healthcare professionals, ensure a sustainable healthcare system in sparsely populated areas, and provide treatment to citizens who live scattered across vast geographical distances. Among other things, this means that many patients must travel long distances each year to receive specialized treatment.
“It was a very inspiring meeting, where we quickly realized how much we have in common. Although we are separated by national borders, we face many of the same challenges. That is why we also have a lot to learn from each other,” says Naalakkersuisoq for Health and People with Disabilities, Anna Wangenheim.
The discussions covered, among other things, the development of culturally appropriate care and treatment, strengthened health research in the Arctic, prevention, alcohol policy, substance abuse treatment, and the continued development of health care systems grounded in Inuit culture, values, and needs.
The parties also discussed opportunities for closer cooperation and knowledge sharing across the Arctic regions. Both ministers expressed a desire to continue the dialogue and strengthen cooperation in areas where joint solutions could benefit both Greenland and Nunavut.
The visit to Qikiqtani General Hospital gave the Naalakkersuisoq insight into how the healthcare system in Nunavut is organized and how efforts are being made to provide healthcare services to a population that—just like in Greenland — lives spread out over vast distances and under unique Arctic conditions.
Naalakkersuisoq emphasizes that international cooperation among Arctic regions is important for developing the healthcare system of the future.
“We don’t need to come up with every solution on our own. By sharing experiences and learning from one another, we can strengthen our healthcare systems and provide better services for our populations. This is a collaboration in which I see great potential,” says Anna Wangenheim.
