Saskatchewan’s track record in dealing with infectious diseases has been called into question on the international stage.
The 24th International AIDS Conference was held in Montreal last week. The increasing number of monkeypox outbreaks in the world became a topic of discussion, given the spread of cases in recent months.
One researcher expressed concern that some regions are not taking these outbreaks seriously enough, singling out Saskatchewan in the process.
“We know that there have been many challenges in Saskatchewan, both with HIV and sexually transmitted infections, particularly among vulnerable populations, including Indigenous communities,” said Marina Klein, director of research and professor of medicine at infectious diseases and chronic viral diseases from McGill University in Montreal.
Although Saskatchewan has only reported two cases of monkeypox, both in July, there have been more than 19,000 cases reported in 78 countries in recent months.
Comparisons have been made with HIV because the disease is more easily transmitted through prolonged face-to-face or sexual contact. Most reported cases have been among men who have sex with other men.
Saskatchewan has experienced high rates of HIV transmission for years, often with the highest rates in Canada.
There were a record 237 diagnoses in 2021, an increase of nearly 30 percent from the previous year and more than double the national average.
The province also struggles with other sexually transmitted infections.
For example, Saskatchewan’s syphilis case rate grew 891% from 2016 to 2020, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada, also two to three times higher than the national rate. Much of these increases are seen in vulnerable communities, including First Nations.
Saskatoon’s Prairie Harm Reduction has begun providing information to clients about the risks and precautions associated with monkey pox.
Kayla DeMong, the executive director, says groups like hers have reason to worry, as any disease or illness that spreads easily is a concern for agencies working with the vulnerable in Saskatchewan.
“It’s hard to put a lot of faith in our province when we’ve consistently seen some massive gaps when it comes to sufficient planning for health pandemics and endemics in vulnerable populations,” he said.
Kayla DeMong, executive director of Prairie Harm Reduction, says groups like hers have reason to worry because they work with the vulnerable. (Submitted by Kayla DeMong)
She attributes this to the lack of consideration of those leading the fight to contain these diseases.
“Often, when plans are made, they are not made [with] “Considering vulnerable populations,” he said. “They are made for a general population.”
He noted that numerous Saskatoon-based organizations that work with vulnerable people meet regularly to discuss challenges facing their clients, including monkeypox.
In the meantime, the Ministry of Health will only say that the risk of spreading the disease is low in Saskatchewan and that the province is monitoring cases.
“The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health is working with the Public Health Agency of Canada to investigate all reports of potential cases of monkeypox in Saskatchewan. Public health authorities and physicians are advised to be vigilant and have take monkey pox into account in their differential diagnosis of patients presenting with an unusual rash, in addition to other clinical signs compatible with monkey pox,” says a written statement provided by the ministry.
The release also states that information is being disseminated.
“Public awareness and education is being provided through the Government of Saskatchewan website, social media and various outreach efforts. The Saskatchewan Health Authority is currently doing outreach work with community groups high risk identified. The Ministry of Health is also working with various community organizations and businesses (food banks, gyms, clubs, etc.) to better inform the public about potential risks.”