Message from Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health

Sexual and Reproductive Health Day

February 12, 2010

February 12 marks Sexual and Reproductive Health Day in Canada. Sexual and reproductive health awareness and education are crucial to helping fight the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and their associated negative health consequences.

STIs continue to be a significant and growing public health concern. The latest reported statistics show that chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are all on the rise in Canada. Although chlamydia and gonorrhea rates continue to be higher among younger adults, rates of all three STIs have increased more dramatically among middle-age adults. For example, between 1997 and 2007, there was a noticeable rise in chlamydia rates among all age groups, but especially in young people ages 15 to 24.

To combat this alarming trend, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), is working closely with provincial and territorial partners to monitor trends in sexually transmitted infections and to develop and disseminate tools for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of infections.

PHAC continues to carry out a number of successful projects to promote sexual health awareness. The Agency has worked with experts to revise the Canadian Guidelines for Sexual Health Education, which provide guidance for educators and healthcare professionals and support the development and implementation of effective sexual health promotion programs. In addition, PHAC has produced the STI-Sexually Transmitted Infections pamphlet, a resource for youth that promotes safer-sex practices and awareness of STIs. This pamphlet is available online and has been distributed nationally.

I encourage all Canadians to use February 12 to educate themselves and others on how to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections.

Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health
Government of Canada

For more information on how to protect yourself go to:

STI - Sexually Transmitted Infections (PDF Version 29.78 MB)

It's Your Health article on Condoms

It's Your Health section on Sexuality