Minister’s Message – Sexual and Reproductive Health Week

February 12-16, 2018, is Sexual and Reproductive Health Week – a week to raise awareness about sexual and reproductive health as part of overall health and well-being. 

Did you know that mental wellness and sexual health are connected? Anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions can affect healthy sexual relationships. The fact that one in three Canadians is affected by a mental illness in their lifetime reinforces the importance of talking about mental and sexual health, and eliminating the stigma that is too often associated with mental illness and sexual health issues. 

Other forms of stigma, such as discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, may also negatively affect sexual health and act as barriers that can prevent people from accessing care, and impact the quality of treatment and support that they do seek. If Canadians avoid accessing care, their sexual and reproductive health can suffer. This is why information and open dialogue are such important aspects of promoting sexual health. 

Sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis, continue to be a significant public health concern in Canada, even though these infections are curable and largely preventable by using condoms consistently. New infections continue to occur and, unfortunately, are on the rise. 

The Government of Canada is working with the provinces and territories, community-based organizations, scientific and medical experts, care providers, and people affected by sexually transmitted infections to reduce the occurrence of these infections and to promote sexual health. We are investing more than $84 million this year to reduce sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections, including approximately $4.5 million annually to support sexual health education. 

During Sexual and Reproductive Health Week, I encourage all Canadians to learn more about sexual health and sexually transmitted infections. Consider what you can do to encourage sexual health promotion in your homes, schools, workplaces and communities. 

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Health