New Brunswick Public Health has launched its annual campaign to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs). She says she notes an increase in cases.
That said, despite a slight increase, rates remain relatively stable. In fact, the government’s message seems mainly focused on eliminating taboos and better communication.
“We encourage health professionals to talk about the importance of STI screening with their patients and the public to normalize conversations with their partners about safer sex practices and regular screening,” says the communications officer of the Department of Health, David Kelly.
The number of cases per 100,000 inhabitants of chlamydia increased from 207.6 in 2021 to 222.7 in 2023.
Those of infectious syphilis increased from 3.2 to 4.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants during the same years.
Cases of gonorrhea per 100,000 inhabitants increased from 32.1 in 2021 to 27.2 in 2023. However, they jumped to 38.3 in 2022.
HIV cases increased from 1.6 to 4.9 cases per 100,000 inhabitants between 2021 and 2023. Mr. Kelly warns, however, that the low contamination rate can lead to an erroneous interpretation of trends.
“I think the situation is relatively stable and the increases are more or less minor,” said Dr. Lisa Dawn Hamilton, who heads the psychology department at Mount Allison University and whose research focuses on on sexual behavior.
“One thing I have noticed, however, among people who are of student age is that there seems to be less concern about STIs,” she notes.
“I think since HIV has become less of a concern for people – and it’s very rare in New Brunswick – and STIs that might be of concern to students or young people can be treated with of antibiotics, concerns have lessened.”
Taboos and inadequate resources
David Kelly points out that the government’s efforts are countered by the stigma and discrimination surrounding STBBIs. Fredericton therefore wishes to fight against these phenomena.
“The overall objective is to reduce the transmission of STBBIs by increasing screening and treatment rates; standardize prevention methods, such as the use of condoms; and routine sexual health exams,” he notes.
However, Lisa Dawn Hamilton deplores the lack of resources to get tested in the province.
“Access to STI testing is really poor in New Brunswick. And I’m aware that in general our health system is overworked, but most provinces have free and easily accessible options to get tested and I don’t see that in New Brunswick.”
The Vitalité Health Network still includes four health centers where screening tests for syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C are offered and organized in a manner to maintain the anonymity of patients.
“Only the person who takes the blood or urine sample knows your identity,” it says on the network’s website.
The centers are located in Moncton, Saint-Isidore, Sainte-Anne-de-Madawaska and Belledune.
As for Horizon Health Network, sexual health services are offered in the cities of Saint-Jean, Miramichi and Fredericton.
Still on the prevention side, Dr. Hamilton welcomes the revisions that have been made to sex education in the province’s schools. However, she wonders if the lessons are transmitted effectively.
“There have been changes and improvements in sexual health education, but it is not clear how prepared teachers feel to deliver the material.”
She also claims that certain staff members who were trained to teach the subject are transferred elsewhere, in order to compensate for the lack of manpower in disciplines deemed to be priorities.
