PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED AND BLOOD-BORNE INFECTIONS IN FIRST NATIONS, INUIT, AND MÉTIS POPULATIONS: Summarizing rates and trends Sexually transmitted and bloodborn infections (STBBIs) are a significant public health concern in Canada. Some STBBIs are primarily transmitted through the exchange of sexual fluids during sexual contact and are thus referred to as sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, STBBIs can also be transmitted through other means, including skin-to-skin genital contact or contact with blood and other bodily fluids. The most notable STBBIs include Chlamydia (including lymphogranuloma venereum [LGV]), gonorrhea, syphilis (all three of which are STIs), as well as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and both hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) viruses. The Government of Canada as well as provincial/territorial governments
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have identified these infections as priorities for monitoring and control, thus deeming them nationally notifiable STBBIs. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) routinely collects surveillance data on these infections to inform public health strategies and monitor Canada’s progress in meeting global STBBI elimination targets. Other STBBIs include hepatitis A (HAV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 and HSV-2).1 Indigenous 2 people experience disproportionately high rates of STBBIs due to complex
structural and systemic factors that create barriers to receiving adequate care and support. These factors are primarily driven by colonialism and its continued effects across generations. Yet, Indigenous identifiers are often excluded or used inconsistently in the surveillance of nationally notifiable infections across provincial/territorial jurisdictions, resulting in scant data on the prevalence of STBBIs among Indigenous populations. This makes it challenging to develop effective STBBI prevention programs and strategies in Indigenous communities.
HAV is nationally notifiable, while HPV and herpes simplex viruses are not. In this fact sheet, the term “Indigenous” is used as an umbrella term referring to First Nations (status and non-status) people, Inuit, and Métis people, collectively. Wherever possible, the terms “First Nations”, “Inuit”, and/or “Métis” are used to reference and distinguish specific Indigenous populations.