HIV/AIDS and vulnerable and/or marginalized populations in Nova Scotia

The Commission can speak to the particular populations that it supports and represents and understanding the needs and experiences of people living with HIV or AIDS (PHAs) helps us to understand the challenges facing other vulnerable populations in Nova Scotia for creating inclusive policies, programs and services. [...] In particular, the Government of Nova Scotia has developed and implemented three initiatives, which demonstrate an understanding and commitment to reduce disparities and exclusion and increase inclusion, they are: 1) In order to reduce disparities in health status and respectfully respond to the diversity of Nova Scotians in delivery of primary health care services, the Nova Scotia Department of H [...] Most recently (2013) the Department of Health and Wellness has developed and is waiting for approval of a document to support diversity and health equity, entitled Diversity and Health Equity for a Health Action Plan. [...] The intention of the scenario is to illustrate: the complexity and interconnectedness of issues that affect vulnerable populations of women and men, boys and girls, and; the challenges of addressing exclusion and inclusion at both the individual and the community level. [...] The final section of the report identifies a number of additional References and Resources to support understanding of and responses to the needs of vulnerable and excluded populations.