Manitoba health reports show overall health improving, with some concerns

The Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg is pictured on January 7, 2025. (Jamie Dowsett/CTV News Winnipeg)

Two reports were released by the province Friday, stating that the overall health status of Manitobans “continues to improve.”

The 2025 Health Status of Manitobans Report was released by chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin. Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara also announced the release of the 2024 Regional Health Authorities Indicators Atlas by the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy at the University of Manitoba.

In a news release, the province said the reports “provide a clear picture of Manitobans’ health, where progress is emerging and where long-standing inequalities still require attention.”

“These reports make it clear that good health starts long before someone walks into a clinic or hospital,” Asagwara said.

According to the reports, child-care affordability is improving, with parents’ average daily fees dropping to $8.10 in 2024-25 from $20.70 in 2020-21. Alcohol use among students in Grades 7 to 12 declined to 21 per cent in 2023-24 — an 11-point drop from 32.1 per cent in 2014-15.

Simultaneously, the reports show disparities in preventable disease, access to care and chronic conditions affecting low-income and rural Manitobans, the release said.

“While many health indicators have improved, some areas remain concerning, including rising rates of diabetes and a recent decline in prenatal care participation,” said Lindsey Dahl, an epidemiologist with MCHP.

The 2025 Health Status of Manitobans Report is available on the chief provincial public health officer’s website. MCHP’s 2024 RHA Indicators Atlas is available on the University of Manitoba’s website.