Alberta spends $14M to combat syphilis, STDs

Alberta is spending $14million toreduce the high rate of sexually transmitted diseases andinfections in the province.

"The rates ofSTI in Alberta are the highest in Canada and thats just unacceptable," said Health Minister Gene Zwozdesky. "Therefore we are taking aggressive and coordinated action on this very serious public health issue."

Health officialshope the five-year plan willreduce rates of sexually transmitted diseases through education, awareness, testing and the hiring of more staff.

"Alberta rates for chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis exceeded the national rate in 2009," said Albertas Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Andr Corriveau.

"But, we are confident with the implementation of the actions in this strategy including prenatal testing, an expanded system for contact tracing and hiring more prevention workers we will see these rates dramatically decrease and bring us below the national rate within the strategys timeframe."

Alberta Health and Wellness will spend $14 million over the next 3 years on the plan with funding for the last two years yet to be determined.

$2 million will go towardTV ads, posters and video boards at bars and nightclubs urging young people to take precautions to protect themselves from infection.

The province, accused of being lax on STDs asrates climbed over the last decade,rejected a proposal in 2008to start a similar education campaign in the province.