February 12, 2024 | Ottawa, Ontario | Public Health Agency of Canada

Every yr in February, we mark Sexual Health Week in Canada to boost consciousness and promote assets to enhance sexual well being. This yr’s theme “Sexual Health is for Everyone” emphasizes that sexual well being is a crucial a part of our general well being, in any respect ages. We additionally know that 2SLGBTQI+, Indigenous, Black and racialized communities, folks with disabilities, immigrants and migrants, in addition to ladies and youth, are all underserved teams, and sometimes lack entry to well being data.

Sexual well being is immediately associated to our psychological and sexual wellbeing, the event of our our bodies, and our means to have wholesome relationships.

Sexual well being additionally means being informed, having a optimistic and respectful method to sexuality, understanding consent and having the suitable data to make knowledgeable selections about our our bodies.

Many Canadians are nonetheless hesitant about accessing sexual well being providers due to disgrace fueled by stigma and discrimination. To enhance entry to sexual and reproductive well being care help, data, and providers for underserved populations, the Government of Canada funds neighborhood organizations to help actions comparable to creating inclusive coaching supplies for sexual and reproductive well being care suppliers, finishing up public consciousness actions, and offering journey and logistical help to people accessing abortion providers. 

Sexually transmitted and blood borne infections (STBBI) are preventable, treatable, and in lots of circumstances, curable, nevertheless they proceed to be a big public well being concern and charges of latest circumstances are on the rise.

Our authorities desires to alter that. During the 24^th annual International AIDS Conference in August 2022, Canada endorsed the global Undetectable equals Untransmittable (U=U) declaration. U=U relies on scientific proof that reveals HIV is just not handed on throughout intercourse when an individual residing with HIV is receiving therapy and the quantity of the virus of their blood stays very low. U=U is essential as a result of it challenges stigma and discrimination round HIV, and it additionally encourages folks to get examined and handled, due to this fact bettering the possibilities of stopping HIV transmission.

We are additionally involved concerning the significant increase in syphilis cases recognized over the previous decade. Although curable with antibiotics, if left untreated syphilis could cause critical well being issues, with probably the most extreme signs affecting the center, mind, and nervous system. Untreated syphilis may also be handed on to a fetus throughout being pregnant and can lead to life-long well being issues for the toddler. The Government of Canada not too long ago launched a Syphilis consciousness marketing campaign focusing on these residing in areas the place the charges of an infection are highest together with Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. The adverts, focused to most people and well being care suppliers encourage those that are sexually energetic to make syphilis testing part of routine well being care. 

Anyone can scale back their danger of STBBI through the use of obstacles comparable to condoms and dental dams, getting examined repeatedly if they’re sexually energetic with new or a number of companions, and finishing therapy for infections when prescribed by a well being skilled. 

During Sexual Health Week, let’s replicate on, and turn into conscious of, how sexual well being is a part of our general well being. Learning about sexual well being is a crucial and essential a part of our wellbeing.

The Honourable Mark Holland, P.C., M.P.
The Honourable Ya’ara Saks, P.C., M.P.
The Honourable Marci Ien, P.C., M.P