Indigenous AIDS Awareness Week is December 1 to 7, 2021.
Current rates of HIV/ AIDS are very low in Nunavut. However, other sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are very common, and can have serious impacts on health. If left untreated, some sexually transmitted infections can make people unable to have children. Others can cause brain damage, heart damage and even death.
If you are sexually active, you should get tested for syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections:
- If you have symptoms (like painless sores or discharge from the penis or vagina);
- Before having sex with a new partner;
- Every three to six months if you have had more than one partner; and,
- Even if you use condoms.
The Department of Health released resources to help Nunavummiut talk with their partners, health care providers, and children about sexuality, safer sex, sexual consent, and sexually transmitted infection prevention and testing. Resources can be found at www.irespectmyself.ca, in the resources section.
Male and female condoms and lubricants are free at your local health centre, and at a variety of other locations in communities. Learn more at www.irespectmyself.ca, or by contacting your local health centre.
