KIM calls for a prevention-first response to hepatitis A outbreak in First Nations communities 

MEDIA STATEMENT 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Treaty 5 Territory, Northern Manitoba — May 15, 2026 — Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin Inc. (KIM) is calling for a prevention-first public health response to the hepatitis A outbreak affecting several First Nations communities in Manitoba. 

The organization says the outbreak highlights long-standing infrastructure gaps that increase the risk of preventable infectious diseases in First Nations communities. 

Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable infection that can spread through contaminated food or water, close personal contact, and environments with inadequate sanitation systems and limited access to safe water. 

 “When communities face overcrowded housing, unsafe water systems and limited local public health capacity, the conditions for outbreaks exist long before the first case is confirmed,” interim chief executive officer Michelle Monkman said in a statement. 

“First Nations should not have to wait for an outbreak before governments act.” 

KIM pointed to Manitoba Health information identifying lack of access to clean water and sewage systems as a risk factor for hepatitis A exposure. 

The organization also cited guidance from the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health, which identifies housing, water systems, access to health services and other social determinants as key factors affecting Indigenous health outcomes. 

Manitoba Health has expanded hepatitis A vaccine eligibility in a piecemeal way as additional communities have reported new cases. 

KIM says that the approach remains too reactive.  

“Preventive measures, including vaccination access, should be available before outbreaks spread in communities with known infrastructure and public health risks,” Monkman said. 

KIM says proactive immunization planning is needed ahead of upcoming Pow Wows, Treaty Days and other large community gatherings across Manitoba to help reduce the risk of further transmission. 

There is a particular concern for remote communities where limited public health and infrastructure can make outbreak response more difficult. Some receive little to no physician and nursing services under the 1964 Agreement. 

KIM is calling on Indigenous Services Canada, Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care, regional health authorities, and public health partners to take immediate action, including: 

• Provision of both provincial and federal funding to support public health surge teams to assist the First Nations communities; 

• Expanding hepatitis A vaccine access proactively in all First Nations communities;  

• Supporting community-led immunization campaigns;  

• Treating housing, water and wastewater infrastructure as essential outbreak-control measures;  

• Establishing a First Nations-led public health outbreak coordination table; and  

• Developing a long-term First Nations public health infrastructure plan.  

KIM acknowledged the work of First Nations leadership, community health teams, nursing stations, public health staff and regional partners responding to the current outbreak. 

“These teams need immediate support, clear coordination and the resources required to protect First Nations before preventable harm occurs,” Monkman said. 

KIM says the conditions contributing to the outbreak reflect long-standing inequities in public health infrastructure and access to essential services in First Nations communities. 

“Hepatitis A is preventable,” Monkman said. “The next outbreak is preventable too, but only if governments act before communities are already in crisis.”