GMSH launches HPV awareness campaign

TORONTO, ON – Gay Men’s Sexual Health Alliance, a leader in sexual health promotion, is thrilled to announce the launch of an HPV awareness campaign specifically tailored for gay, bi, and queer men. This campaign aims to shed light on the prevalence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) among this community and provide vital information on prevention and vaccination.

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) worldwide and is a significant contributor to oral and anal cancers in men. Despite its widespread impact, HPV has often been overlooked in discussions, primarily focusing on cisgender women. However, GMSH recognizes the urgent need to address this issue among boys and men, and Health Canada now recommends HPV vaccination for this demographic.

Alarming rates of HPV continue to affect gay, bi, and queer men, prompting GMSH to develop comprehensive resources that empower individuals within this community to understand the virus and its implications on their sexual health. These resources include an informative webpage, engaging social media posts, and eye-catching posters and postcards featuring QR codes, providing easy access to essential information about HPV transmission, symptoms, and the importance of vaccination.

“As we saw with the mpox outbreak last year, gay men are especially motivated to care for our sexual health. HPV hasn’t always received the attention it deserves, and we hope this campaign changes that. HPV vaccination is cancer prevention,” said Dane Griffiths, Director of GMSH. “By equipping individuals with the knowledge they need, we aim to empower them to make informed decisions about their sexual health and engage in open conversations with their healthcare providers.”

GMSH’s campaign emphasizes the importance of HPV vaccination as a crucial preventive measure. By raising awareness and dispelling misconceptions, it aims to encourage individuals to take proactive steps towards protecting themselves and their partners from the potential risks associated with HPV.

GMSH invites the community and healthcare providers to explore their comprehensive HPV resources, available on their website, social media platforms, and through their visually appealing posters and postcards.

For more information about GMSH’s HPV awareness campaign and to access the resources, please visit  www.GMSH.ca/HPV