Indigenous Communities Face Higher Flu Burden Across Nations
Evidence indicates that Indigenous peoples experience more severe outcomes from influenza compared with the general population. This finding aligns with a substantial body of global research compiled from diverse settings.
A comprehensive meta-analysis reviewed 36 studies focused on hospitalizations and deaths from flu among Indigenous groups and their non-Indigenous peers worldwide. By Indigenous peoples, the analysis refers to ethnic communities with long-standing ties to their ancestral lands prior to colonial contact, many of whom maintain traditional ways of life and operate within health systems that are often underdeveloped or under-resourced.
Across several countries, Indigenous populations showed a markedly higher risk of hospitalization for influenza. In nations such as Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, Indigenous people were more than five times as likely to be hospitalized for flu as the general population. Similar disparities appeared in other regions, though data were less plentiful for low-income countries with weaker health infrastructure.
The researchers emphasize that these disparities are not merely medical issues but reflect broader social determinants of health, including access to care, housing conditions, and the prevalence of chronic illnesses. They argue that addressing inequities in vaccination coverage, timely treatment, and culturally appropriate health services could substantially reduce influenza-related harm in Indigenous communities.
There is a call for policymakers to use these findings to reduce gaps in health outcomes. Strengthened public health strategies that respect Indigenous governance, traditional healing practices, and community-led health programs are seen as essential components for improving resilience against seasonal flu and future respiratory threats.
— Citation: The findings originate from an international synthesis examining hospitalizations and mortality from influenza among Indigenous groups and their non-Indigenous counterparts. The research highlights the persistent impact of health inequities on Indigenous communities and the need for targeted policy action to mitigate these disparities.