Ontario NDP Champions Motion to Prevent Cancer and Sexually Transmitted Infections

QUEEN’S PARK – Ontario NDP MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam (Toronto Centre) was joined by healthcare workers and sexual health advocates to discuss their recently tabled motion to expand OHIP to cover sexual health prevention measures.

“We know that prevention pays for itself in health care,” said Wong-Tam. “The HPV vaccine can prevent over 90% of cervical cancers caused by some types of HPV in addition to genital, rectal, and throat cancers. PrEP and PEP stop HIV infection entirely. Take-home cervical cancer test kits enhance access and early detection for women who don’t have access to a family doctor, especially women in remote, northern, or fly-in communities.”

These measures include OHIP coverage of the HPV vaccine at any age when recommended by a doctor, HIV pre and post, exposure prophylaxis (also known as PrEP and PEP), and take-home cervical cancer test kits.

Currently the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Québec and Nova Scotia all cover PrEP for individuals at risk of transmission through their provincial health care insurance plans.

"The Ontario NDP is determined to strengthen access to sexual health care and preventative health care in Ontario” said Wong-Tam. “While Doug Ford privatizes our health care and hides from public accountability in this legislature, the Ontario NDP will fight to ensure Ontarians can access the services they need to stay healthy.”

QUOTES:

Dr. Gilla Shapiro, clinical researcher into HPV vaccination, psychosocial oncology, cancer prevention, health decision making, and health equity.

“We know that HPV vaccination needs to be more accessible, available, and affordable for everyone to be able to benefit from this under-used cancer prevention tool in Ontario.”

Ryan Lisk, Director of Community Health Programs at the Aids Committee of Toronto (ACT)

“HIV stigma and the cost of these highly effective medications continue to be our biggest barriers to preventing new HIV infections in Ontario.”

Travis Frank L’Henaff, Advocate for free PrEP and PEP

"If I had been able to access this, this care, and had less barriers in in my way. I would not have HIV today. I wouldn't have to share that I have HIV with everyone. We were promised an HIV free generation. And it's possible."