The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The Manitoba government is providing more than $2.3 million in new annual funding designed to strengthen work across Manitoba to address sexually transmitted infections including HIV. Each regional health authority will use the funding to support initiatives in their region that can include: increasing access to sexual and reproductive health services; increasing public health staffing; developing public awareness and education resources; developing targeted services for groups which are seriously affected by HIV and other sexually transmitted infections; and improving disease surveillance, research and evaluation related to HIV and sexually transmitted infections. ÒEvery case of HIV that is prevented means we reduce illness in individuals, but we also need to invest in the care, treatment and support of people already living with this disease,Ó said Healthy Living Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross. Irvin-Ross said the province has continued to provide ongoing funding to develop the Manitoba HIV program and improve the care available to those living with HIV infection. Added the minister: ÒItÕs important for people to take precautions to stay healthy and reduce their risk of a sexually transmitted infection. I want to remind Manitobans to take steps to keep themselves safe and to reduce their risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection.Ó Other, previously announced provincial initiatives to address sexually transmitted infections include: $1.3 million over two years to create the Manitoba HIV program, reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections and promote improved sexual health; improve the management of HIV care, treatment and support; build sexual health awareness; and reduce the adverse effects of sexually transmitted infections; and The establishment of the MinisterÕs Advisory Committee on Sexual Health to collect and share evidence, information and knowledge to guide current work and help identify priorities for the future.
