Navajo Nation, University of Arizona strengthen public health collaboration with MOU

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz – Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, alongside key representatives from the Navajo Department of Health and the Navajo Epidemiology Center, signed an MOU on Monday with the University of Arizona to collaborate on data related to COVID-19 infections.

The MOU is to identify risk factors and increase community preparedness should a future pandemic strike.

“In Navajo, we have a saying,” President Nygren said. “Yideeskáadi nitsákees. Prepare for the future. Never wait around for things to happen. This MOU embodies this philosophy.” 

Dr. Karletta Chief, director of the Indigenous Resilience Center at UA, said communities that speak more English have lower rates of COVID-19, whereas communities that speak more Navajo have higher incidence of COVID-19 infections.

The MOU will help to understand how factors like language, socioeconomic conditions, and even lack of access to water impact Diné health across the Nation.

“We are Indigenous led,” said Dr. Chief. “We have a unique perspective, and through our work a deep commitment to Native communities. Factors like food security, food insecurity, electricity and lack of electricity all impact public health.” 

This agreement enhances public health initiatives and research benefiting thousands of Diné people. Analyzing socioeconomic risks like insufficient household infrastructure and education levels are essential to understanding their impact on health.

For a full story please visit IRes website.