When it comes to taboo conversations, sexual health is among one of the most uncomfortable topics for many people in Canada.

While it may be a conversation that some people wish to avoid, sexually transmitted diseases such, as HIV, continue to be prevalent and life threatening around the world. As of 2017, an estimated 36.9 million people living with HIV worldwide, according to the 2018 Canadian Communicable Disease Report. In Canada, a total of 2,561 HIV diagnoses were reported in 2018. 

This past week, Health Canada approved of and granted a medical device license to an HIV self-test. This one-time finger prick blood test is manufactured by a Richmond based company: bioLytical Laboratories. The device, which is the first of its kind in Canada, is hoped to increase access to life extending treatments, and to help prevent the spread of infections. You can learn more about the device here.

Sebastian Nicholson, Prince George's Interim Education Department Manager of Positive Living North, works to educate individuals and organizations about sexual health and transmittable diseases such as HIV, AIDS, and Hepatitis C (HCV).

In the interview below, Nicholson talks about why sexual education is important and how stigma, drugs and diseases affect communities and the people within them. As well, he discusses what can be done to build more accepting and supportive communities in the north and across Canada.