OPINION: Alaska’s syphilis surge should concern us all

Has been updated: 32 few minutes ago release date: 32 few minutes ago

A few weeks ago, ADN shared an emergency recommendation from Dr. Ann Zink, Alaska’s chief medical officer. “Persons of reproductive age and who are sexually active should undergo a syphilis test if their syphilis status is unknown. Every time they have a new sexual partner, they should be tested for syphilis if they have more than one partner. ~Every six months, everyone should be retested.” The high and increasing prevalence of the sexually transmitted infection (STI) syphilis is affecting more and more pregnant women, their babies, and their entire families. It is expanding the scope of its impact on health, and has been covered by ADN and television news outlets. to radio and various social media platforms. This coverage reflects an important statewide conversation about reproductive and sexual health that, hopefully, is just beginning. I am concerned about the rapid increase in syphilis and congenital syphilis cases in Alaska. We all should be.

Sexually transmitted infections are treatable and, like syphilis, curable in most cases. But despite the state’s sound recommendations, many of the estimated 200,000-plus Alaskans of reproductive age mentioned by Dr. Zink are unable to get tested or retested for sexually transmitted diseases. There’s a reason. These same people often don’t have access to breast and cervical cancer screenings, the contraceptives they want, and other reproductive and sexual health care Alaskans need to thrive. There may not be.

These reasons are detailed in other ADN headlines and in conversations with Alaskans across the state. Deep-rooted barriers to care, especially reproductive health care, created a pathway that led to the syphilis and congenital syphilis epidemics we find ourselves in today. Addressing these barriers can help us take a different path to health.

The state’s epidemiology team says the growing number of people testing positive for syphilis and giving birth to babies with congenital syphilis faces several barriers limiting access to care, including: I identified what I was doing. Unreliable transportation. Sexual assault or intimate partner violence. drug use; lack or delay in insurance coverage; Limited access to contraception, primary care in general, and prenatal care in particular for pregnant Alaskans. Lack of or misinformation about sexual health, including the importance of prevention and testing for sexually transmitted infections. and lack of testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases.

As a state, we need multiple solutions to the syphilis epidemic. This includes infrastructure to support continued prevention, testing, and treatment for all Alaskans at risk of contracting syphilis. A cultural shift to destigmatize reproductive health care and sexual health education. And take immediate action to save the lives of our loved ones and neighbors. Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic (KBFPC) is committed to combating health inequalities on the Kenai Peninsula over the long term and collaborating with partner social services and health organizations on solutions that improve the sexual and reproductive health of individuals, their families, and populations. We work with state agencies. The whole community today.

KBFPC celebrated the one-year anniversary of its remote services initiative, which included pop-up clinic events beyond its brick-and-mortar flagship clinic in Homer. KBFPC healthcare providers are inspired by fly-in clinics, bookmobiles, and even pop-up stores and restaurants to provide testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, along with contraceptive access and other reproductive health care needs. We serve our neighbors on the Kenai Peninsula, regardless of ability. pay. Our outreach teams also provide important health and safety information at local educational events and select middle and high schools to help Alaskans of all ages learn about reproductive and sexual health, including sexually transmitted disease prevention. I try to stay informed about important health topics.

The health of individual Alaskans and the health of our communities depends on a statewide effort. We know how to prevent, test for, and treat syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases, and we know what barriers exist for those who have already tested positive. Reproductive health care and sexual health education are accessible and necessary for healthy Alaskans.

If you’re sexually active, prevent the spread of syphilis by getting tested, practicing safer sex, and using condoms. If you are pregnant, talk to your health care provider about prenatal care during your pregnancy. If you’re not sure where to get affordable STD testing or prenatal care, contact your local health center for recommendations. If you live or work on the Kenai Peninsula, contact KBFPC to find out when a location near you will be offered.

claudia haynes A longtime Homer resident, she is the CEO of Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic, a community-supported nonprofit that provides broad access to reproductive health care services and sexual health education.visit www.kbfpc.org Or call 907-235-3436 for more information.

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