GN launches new sexual health campaign

The GN’s new syphilis prevention campaign poster warns: “Don’t let sex mean syphilis. Wear condoms. Get tested.”

The Government of Nunavut’s health department has launched a new campaign to help prevent an ongoing outbreak of syphilis in the territory.

The department said Feb. 13 that the sexually-transmitted infection continues to spread, and that health officials have reported 184 cases in Nunavut since the outbreak was flagged in May 2012.

To respond to the outbreak, the GN has tailored a new public campaign to help Nunavummiut prevent the STI, in conjunction with National Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Day.

“We consulted with Nunavummiut and they told us that it’s easy to ignore syphilis if you don’t know what it is and the long-term health consequences,” Dr. Geraldine Osborne, Nunavut’s acting chief medical officer of health, said in a Feb. 13 release.

“Nunavummiut have also told us they want to know why they should wear condoms and why they should get tested.”

In the coming weeks, a series of posters, radio, television and social media ads will be distributed through the territory, with the tagline: “Don’t let sex mean syphilis. Wear condoms. Get tested.”

Syphilis is transmitted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex, contact with open sores, or transmitted by pregnant mothers to unborn babies.

Early symptoms can include a painless sore on the genitals or a rash, although many people have no symptoms. But untreated syphilis can lead to blindness, heart damage, and even death.

STI and teen pregnancy rates in Nunavut are the highest in Canada, notes the GN’s health department, and on the rise.

Health officials in the territory recorded 31 cases of syphilis in 2012, another 59 cases in 2013 and 94 cases in 2014.

Using condoms is the most effective way for sexually active people to reduce the risk of STIs and unplanned pregnancy, the GN said.

In Nunavut, condoms are available for free at health centres, public health offices, and other recreational and business locations throughout the territory.

For more information sexually transmitted infections, and safer sex, visit www.irespectmyself.ca.