Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Outreach and Community Engagement
Syphilis rates have surged nationwide, notably among females aged 15-39. Since 2018, there has been a 109% increase in infectious syphilis in Canada1. This increase has contributed to a dramatic 599% increase of people passing syphilis on to their babies during pregnancy (i.e., congenital syphilis) since 2018, with Canada reporting 117 confirmed cases in 2022, compared to just 4 cases in 20161. Locally, there has been a concerning increase in syphilis rates, as well. While syphilis is preventable, 206 confirmed infectious syphilis cases and 7 confirmed congenital syphilis cases have been reported in Windsor and Essex County (WEC) since 2022. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis infections are within the top 10 most common diseases of public health significance (DOPHS) for 2024 in WEC.
In an effort to increase access to testing and treatment in WEC, particularly for high-risk populations, the Windsor Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) has collaborated with Core Medical Centre in Windsor and the University of Ottawa to further pave the way to more accessible lab-based testing for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), syphilis, hepatitis C, gonorrhea, and chlamydia through the GetaKit website. GetaKit provides free, mail-out self-test kits and lab requisitions for STIs and HIV tests in Ontario. To ensure linkage to care and prevention services, Core Medical has partnered to treat clients who obtain a positive result from their GetaKit test, including clients without healthcare coverage. Below is a summary of GetaKit uptake in WEC for 2024 since the launch of the partnership (March 1, 2024):
- 110 people in WEC have sought services from GetaKit – 54.4% were members of the Ontario HIV priority populations; 33% were first time testers.
- 3 STI cases have been detected - 2 gonorrhea; 1 syphilis.
Moreover, the WECHU continues to distribute cost-free condoms to local community organizations. The community requests for condoms increased from 66,560 in 2023 to 74,404 in 2024. Pamphlets tailored to the use of female and male condoms have also been developed to target groups that may lack access to sexual health resources.
Upcoming initiatives:
To further disrupt the transmission of STIs in WEC, the WECHU has acquired INSTI Multiplex Tests to help facilitate testing and treating our underserved population. In Canada, these are the first approved rapid tests for both HIV and syphilis and the first approved rapid point-of-care (POC) syphilis tests of any kind. The INSTI Multiplex Test detects both HIV and syphilis antibodies using whole blood from a finger prick, making it suitable for diverse healthcare settings. This can serve as a critical first contact with care, which can provide preliminary results within minutes and identify individuals who need syphilis and/or HIV treatment. The WECHU has distributed tests to local community partners, including weCHC, Shelter Health, and the Melo Clinic & Pregnancy Centre, to assist with the accessibility of testing and treatment of STIs in WEC.
Reference:
- Syphilis Guide: Key Information and Resources, 2024 – Public Health Agency of Canada