On behalf of Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos, MP Michael McLeod announced today the federal government is committing $1 million over five years to ‘FOXY’ a program designed to promote sexual and mental health among youth in the north.
“This is so important because the north continues to struggle with some of the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections in Canada.” McLeod said in a press conference.
According to the federal government, in 2020, nearly 3/4 of all reported Chlamydia cases in Canada were amongst people under the age of 30. McLeod says the good news is that these infections as well as others such as HIV and Hepatitis C are preventable.
“They (infections) can be targeted and treated effectively with the right care.” McLeod said.
The funding comes as a part of the Government of Canada’s multi-year action plan to end HIV and Hepatitis C infections as public health concerns by 2030.
FOXY plans to use the funding to continue youth outreach in schools and community organizations for young people in the north.
“With this investment, we strive to improve access to effective prevention, testing, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections by providing culturally safe and stigma free sexual health education and training.” FOXY representative Candice Lys said in the conference.
