Last week the 24th International AIDS Conference was held in Montreal. The increasing number of cases of monkeypox in the world has become a topic of discussion, given the spread of cases in recent months. One researcher expressed concern that some regions are not taking such outbreaks seriously enough, singling out Saskatchewan in the process. “We know that in Saskatchewan there have been many challenges, both with HIV and sexually transmitted infections, especially among vulnerable populations including aboriginal communities,” said Marina Klein, director of research and professor of medicine in the department of infectious diseases and chronic viral diseases. of diseases at McGill University in Montreal. While Saskatchewan has reported only two cases of monkeypox, both in July, more than 19,000 cases have been reported in 78 countries in recent months. Comparisons have been made to HIV because the disease is more easily transmitted through prolonged face-to-face or sexual contact. The majority of cases reported were among men who have sex with other men. Saskatchewan has had elevated rates of HIV transmission for years, often having 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 is also struggling with other sexually transmitted infections. For example, the rate of syphilis cases in Saskatchewan increased by 891 percent from 2016 to 2020, according to Public Health Canada, also two to three times higher than the national rate. Many 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 monkeypox. Kayla DeMong, the executive director, says groups like hers have reason to worry, as any illness or disease that is easily transmitted is a concern for services that work with vulnerable people in Saskatchewan. “It’s hard to put much faith in our province when we consistently see some huge gaps in adequate planning for health pandemics and endemics in vulnerable populations,” he said. Kayla DeMong, executive director at Prairie Harm Reduction, says groups like hers have reason to be concerned because they work with vulnerable people. (Submitted by Kayla DeMong) He calls it a lack of attention from those leading the fight to curb these diseases. “Often when plans are made, they don’t happen [with] vulnerable populations in mind,” he said. “They are made for a general population.” He noted that many Saskatoon-based organizations that work with vulnerable people meet regularly to discuss challenges facing their clients, including monkeypox. Meanwhile, the health ministry will only say that the risk of contracting the disease is low in Saskatchewan and that the province is closely monitoring cases. “The Saskatchewan Department of Health is working with Public Health Canada to investigate all reports of possible cases of monkeypox in Saskatchewan. Public health authorities and clinicians are advised to be vigilant and aware of monkeypox in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with an unusual rash, as well as other clinical signs consistent with monkeypox,” the ministry said in a written statement. The statement also says that information is being disseminated. “Public awareness and education is provided through the Government of Saskatchewan website, social media and various outreach efforts. The Saskatchewan Health Authority is currently in the midst of outreach work with identified high-risk groups. 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’.