Home page

Text size

E-mail this page

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
The rate of some sexually transmitted infections has dropped significantly across the Northwest Territories, according to Canada’s top public health agency.

Dr. Kami Kamdola: Anonymous sources of information key in small communities. - NNSL file photo

The Public Health Agency of Canada’s recently released Report on Sexually Transmitted Infections in Canada: 2009, states that Gonorrhea rates in the NWT fell by 20 per cent between 2008 and 2009.

But the territory’s acting chief public health officer, Dr. Kami Kandola, said that number is now much lower.

According to numbers gathered by the Department of Health and Social Services, cases of Gonorrhea dropped by 53 per cent from 2008 to 2011. That number represents a four-year downward trend, Kandola said.

The rate of Chlamydia also dropped by six per cent between 2008 and 2011.

Kandola said a variety of factors contributed to the decline in cases, including launching a public education website, visiting schools and youth centres and distributing condoms.

Partners such as the Tlicho Community Access Research Team also embarked on a door-to-door education campaign.

“All of those efforts seem to have turned the tide, or changed the traditionally upward trend of STIs to a downturn trend,” she said.

In addition to raising public awareness, health units also used an aggressive treatment system when dealing with STI cases. Nurses not only treated the individual who tested positive, but all of their sexual partners as well.

“It’s really important that not only the person who has an STI gets treated, but all their contacts,” Kandola said.

An individual who tested positive for an STI was asked the name and phone numbers of any sexual partners, who were then contacted, tested and treated. All information was kept confidential, Kandola said.

Though numbers have dropped, the department is still stepping up its efforts to combat STIs. A recently held workshop updated sexual health information for 43 teachers from across the territory, Kandola said. Continuing to visit communities and educating youth are imperative to making sure STI rates continue to decrease. Fifteen to 29-year-olds have the highest reported rates of STIs, Kandola said.

“We want to keep that effort sustained and keep youth aware of how to protect themselves,” she said.

Kandola said making sure individuals have anonymous access to sexual health information has played a vital role in raising awareness. Speaking to others, even health care providers, can be difficult for many individuals, especially in small communities, Kandola said. Websites such as respectyourself.ca and the Kiss Me Deadly comic book, which was published by the department in 2011, allow individuals to get information about STIs privately.

“Especially small communities, it’s very hard to be anonymous,” she said. “It’s hard to talk freely about those issues.”

Though progress has been made, the NWT still has the second highest rate of Gonorhhea in Canada. The highest Chlamydia rates were reported in the NWT, Nunavut and Yukon. The highest Chlamydia rates were reported in the NWT, Nunavut and Yukon.

Kandola said prevention is the best way to avoid contracting STIs.

“STIs are preventable,” she said.

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.