Sexual and Reproductive Health Day – February 12, 2011

In Canada, February 12 is Sexual and Reproductive Health Day.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to be a significant and increasing public health concern. Over the past decade, rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and infectious syphilis have steadily increased. Although we often think that only youth and younger adults are at risk of acquiring an STI, it’s important to remember that all Canadians, regardless of age, are also at risk.

We are seeing that rates for chlamydia, gonorrhea and infectious syphilis have increased significantly among middle-aged adults (aged 40-59) over the past decade. For infectious syphilis alone, rates in this group have increased 16 fold since 1997. Furthermore, adults aged 30 years and older account for over 70% of all reported infectious syphilis cases in Canada.

The Government of Canada is taking action to address this worrisome trend. For the fiscal years 2009 and 2010, we provided $ 34.3 million in funding for research projects related to STIs, including HIV. This research will help us to create and implement effective public health policies and programs across Canada.

We also work closely with provincial and territorial partners to develop and distribute tools for the surveillance, prevention, diagnosis, and management of STIs. And we are committed to helping raise awareness of these increasing rates among health professionals and their patients. In fact, we plan to distribute awareness products to physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses and public health units that will help us promote prevention of STIs for individuals of all ages.

Additionally, in 2007 the Government of Canada provided $300 million over three years to assist the provinces and territories in establishing Human papillomavirus immunization programs. I am pleased to say that as a result of this funding, all provinces and territories in Canada now have HPV immunization programs in place.

It is important to speak to your health professional about prevention and testing. Many STIs have no symptoms, so you may not be aware that you are infected. And, many, including syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia can be easily treated.

On Sexual and Reproductive Health Day, I encourage you to get more information on how you can help reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections.

Dr. David Butler-Jones
Chief Public Health Officer