The NWT is piloting a community condom access program in its latest step to combat a syphilis outbreak that has been ongoing since August 2019.
In the coming weeks, two hundred free condom dispensers will be installed in public places in all the communities of the territory, and will offer a “constant supply” of condoms.
The Department of Health and Human Services is currently working with businesses, educational bodies and local governments to select locations for the dispensers.
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“Free condoms will be available in public places that people visit frequently, as well as in places that are open outside regular business hours,” the health department explained in a press release.
“Efforts will prioritize smaller communities with limited access to condoms for purchase.”
The health department said offering free condoms was “identified as a priority and a gap in current sexual health promotion”.
“While condom use does not guarantee total protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), men who use condoms regularly during their sexual encounters can significantly reduce the risk of STIs,” recalls the press release.
In September, Director of Public Health Dr Kami Kandola said the syphilis outbreak was still “growing at an alarming rate” and that the NWT’s syphilis rate is “consistently and significantly higher than the national average”.
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Between early 2019 and April 2022, there was a 253% increase in syphilis cases across the NWT.
The condoms follow other measures the territorial government has taken to combat the outbreak over the past three years, including offering rapid syphilis tests and harm reduction kits to residents.