Outaouais public health combats rising number of STIs in Outaouais youth

There is a new campaign around sexual health launched by the Santé Publique de l’Outaouais. The Aime-toi campaign and the Aime-toi.ca website were created in response to rising numbers of cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in youth aged 15-24. The aim is to encourage youth to use condoms and act responsibly where their sexual health is concerned. Aime-toi.ca is a bilingual, user-friendly resource for youth and parents.

Santé Publique states that in youth aged 15-24, gonorrhea cases increased by 33% and cases of syphillis have tripled. There are over 1,000 cases of STIs documented every year and that number continues to grow. 33% of sexually active youth will have an average of two to four different partners and 56% will not regularly use a condom. Aime-toi.ca is looking to reduce those numbers in the hope of preventing the further spread of STIs.

The website provides a detailed map about where to find free or low-cost condoms and 30 new condom distribution sites. Visitors to the website will also find specific locations where screening tests are offered throughout the Outaouais. Aime-toi.ca also provides information on related topics, such as consent and pregnancy prevention. There is also an information section for parents on how and when to discuss sexual health with their children.