Birth Cohort Testing for Hepatitis C Virus - Indian Health Service 2012-2015.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a substantial and largely unrecognized public health problem. An estimated 3.5 million persons in the United States are currently living with HCV infection, at least half of whom are unaware of their infection (1-3).

Implementation of National HIV Screening Recommendations in the Indian Health Service.

Background: The Indian Health Service (IHS), a federal agency, provides direct patient care to an estimated 1.9 million American Indian/Alaska Native patients across a large and decentralized network of health facilities. The IHS sought to implement HIV screening of adults and adolescents per national recommendations.

Death rates from human immunodeficiency virus and tuberculosis among American Indians/Alaska Natives in the United States, 1990-2009.

Objectives: We used race-corrected data and comprehensive diagnostic codes to better compare HIV and tuberculosis (TB) mortality from 1999 to 2009 between American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) and Whites.

Methods: National Vital Statistics Surveillance System mortality data were adjusted for AI/AN racial misclassification through linkage with Indian Health Service registration records. We compared average annual 1990 to 2009 HIV and TB death rates (per 100,000 people) for AI/AN persons with those for Whites; Hispanics were excluded.

Pandemic influenza preparedness and vulnerable populations in tribal communities.

American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) governments are sovereign entities with inherent authority to establish and administer public health programs within their communities and will be critical partners in national efforts to prepare for pandemic influenza. Within AIAN communities, some subpopulations will be particularly vulnerable during an influenza pandemic because of their underlying health conditions, whereas others will be at increased risk because of limited access to prevention or treatment interventions.We outline potential issues to consider in identifying and providing appropriate services for selected vulnerable populations within tribal communities.

Within the hidden epidemic: sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS among American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Objectives: To review the epidemiology, research, and prevention programs for sexually transmitted diseases in American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs).

Study Design: We reviewed the current national and regional trends in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) for AI/ANs from 1998-2004, peer-reviewed studies from January 1996, through May 2006, and reports, unpublished documents, and electronic resources addressing AI/AN STD prevention and control.

Results: STD prevalence among AI/ANs remains high.