A walk-in STI screening clinic offered in Sherbrooke

A screening clinic is being held on Wednesday at the IRIS Estrie premises in Sherbrooke. The event, offered without appointment to those aged 14 and over, takes place from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Stéphanie Roy, participant in the Itinerary project, emphasizes that sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) are on the rise in Quebec.

In its latest annual portrait published in July, the National Institute of Public Health (INSPQ) actually notes “a significant increase” in these diseases. The organization uses data from 2022.

Even the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is seeing an increase, with 422 new cases.

This isn’t supposed to happen. There is so much prevention that can be done in Quebec. There are so many treatments availabledeplores Stéphanie Roy.

The pandemic, confinement and health measures are to be blamed, according to her.

It’s all related to COVID-19. There was less screening. There are places where there were none at all. People continued to have sex during this time.

An analysis shared by theINSPQwhich recalls that the arrival of migrants from countries where these problems are more present and less increased screening efforts also contributes to the growth in the number of sexually transmitted infections through blood.

Young people more at risk

Young people aged 15 to 24 are among the populations most affected by chlamydia.

There are many positive cases all the time. When it comes to syphilis, it’s the same thing. For hepatitis C too, there are many cases. This is not something that is currently decreasing and it is becoming a problemnotes Stéphanie Roy.

For the speaker, the solution is prevention and involves interventions in schools and support from parents. The subject should also occupy more space in the public sphere.

We need to talk about it in the media. There is no campaign during the year. It remains a taboo subject that causes discomfort for many people, especially young adults. We don’t talk about screening that much.

Stéphanie Roy encourages everyone to take advantage of the clinic offered on Wednesday, an ideal opportunity for the population without a family doctor. She recalls that the majority of infected people are asymptomatic.

It’s taking care of yourself to get testedshe concludes.