Nunavut Health Department deploys rapid testing, education in fight against syphilis

Nunavut might finally be gaining ground in the effort to end its 12-year-long syphilis outbreak, says the territory’s newly appointed chief public health officer.

Dr. Ekua Agyemang believes improved testing and awareness will lower the number of syphilis cases across Nunavut. (Photo courtesy of the Government of Nunavut)

“We are hoping that this year we can see some reduction in numbers,” said Dr. Ekua Agyemang, who officially took over the role last month after serving in an acting capacity since May 2024.

Nunavut declared its current syphilis outbreak in 2014, after 94 cases were reported in several communities — a 60 per cent increase over the 59 cases reported the previous year.

That spike coincided with a national trend where the rate of infectious syphilis grew by 32 per cent.

Syphilis is a contagious infection that spreads through unprotected sexual activity. It can be cured with antibiotics if treated on time. Left untreated for a prolonged period, it can lead to permanent organ damage, dementia, and death.

It can also be passed from mother to child during pregnancy, which can impact the health of unborn children.

In Nunavut, the majority of cases are concentrated in Iqaluit, Agyemang said.

Between 2016 and 2023, the number of known cases across the territory ranged from 109 to 121. Agyemang said from 2020 to 2022 — during the COVID-19 pandemic — numbers dropped into the 50s due to under-reporting and didn’t present an accurate picture.

In 2024, a rapid testing system was introduced in 13 communities giving residents access to a finger-prick blood test that provides results within 15 minutes.

“You can see it right there and then,” Agyemang said.

In other communities, blood samples are sent to a lab which yields results within a range of two days to two weeks.

Increased testing revealed more syphilis cases — there were 172 in 2024, and 185 last year.

But that might be a positive sign, Agyemang suggested.

Increased testing will lead to more cases being detected and treated, leaving fewer people with infections and syphilis less likely to be spread.

“We are doing better in the health-care system, giving people more access to testing,” she said. “People have knowledge and confidence to be tested.”

That, plus a growing awareness of the risk factors for infection, are reasons for her optimism, she said.

The Department of Health has conducted annual awareness campaigns over about the past five years. Outreach ramped up again last month, starting with Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Week from Feb. 8 to 14.

In Iqaluit, nurses, doctors and RCMP officers visited Inuksuk High School to speak with students about safe sexual activity, consent and healthy relationships.

In Baker Lake, the Health Department staffed an information booth at the community hall to inform people about reproductive anatomy, birth control, and healthy relationships. In Kimmirut, health educators held a presentation about sexually transmitted infections and consent and in Gjoa Haven they shared information through a weekly sexual health awareness radio show.

Condoms and sexual health resources are available for free at local health centres.