Every year on July 28, World Hepatitis Day raises awareness about viral hepatitis and encourages people to learn more about prevention, testing, vaccination, and treatment. It’s also an opportunity for organizations to strengthen sexual health education and ensure communities have access to the tools they need to reduce the risk of infection.
While discussions around hepatitis often focus on liver health, another important topic deserves attention: barrier methods.
Understanding Hepatitis and Sexual Health
Viral hepatitis isn’t a single disease. There are five main types—hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E—each with different transmission routes and prevention strategies.
Some types are primarily spread through contaminated food or water, while others can be transmitted through infected blood and bodily fluids. Hepatitis B, in particular, can be transmitted through sexual contact, making it an important topic within sexual health education. Hepatitis C is less commonly spread through sex but may be transmitted when blood exposure occurs.
Understanding these differences helps organizations provide accurate, evidence-based education while reducing stigma around sexual health.
Why Barrier Methods Still Matter
Barrier methods, including condoms and dental dams, play an important role in reducing exposure to blood and bodily fluids during sexual activity. When used correctly and consistently, they help reduce the risk of Hepatitis B and many other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs).
For community organizations, schools, public health units, and harm reduction programs, barrier methods are practical, affordable, and easy to include in:
- Outreach kits
- Sexual health clinics
- Campus health centres
- Community events
- Harm reduction programs
- Educational workshops
Providing access to these products supports healthier communities while helping normalize conversations around safer sex.
Don’t Forget About Dental Dams
While condoms are widely recognized, dental dams are often overlooked in sexual health education.
Dental dams create a protective barrier during oral-vaginal and oral-anal sex, helping reduce contact with bodily fluids that may carry infections. Including dental dams in educational materials and outreach supplies helps ensure that safer-sex conversations are inclusive of all sexual practices.
By teaching when and how to use dental dams, organizations can fill an important gap in sexual health education.
Questions Every Organization Should Ask
World Hepatitis Day is an ideal time to evaluate whether your organization is providing both education and access to prevention tools.
Consider asking:
- Are condoms easily available to clients and community members?
- Are dental dams included in safer-sex supplies?
- Do educational resources discuss oral sex without stigma?
- Are latex-free options available for individuals with allergies or sensitivities?
- Do staff and volunteers feel confident explaining barrier methods?
Small improvements in access and education can have a meaningful impact on community health.
Education and Access Go Hand in Hand
Raising awareness is an important first step—but awareness alone isn’t enough.
A poster can start a conversation. A workshop can build knowledge. But having condoms and dental dams readily available allows people to put that knowledge into practice when it matters most.
Effective prevention combines education with easy access to the tools that support safer choices.
Supporting Sexual Health in Communities Across Canada
At Pamco, we’re proud to support healthcare organizations, educators, Indigenous communities, public health agencies, and harm reduction programs across Canada with sexual and reproductive wellness products designed for outreach and education.
From condoms and dental dams to educational resources, we believe prevention starts with accessible information and practical tools.
This World Hepatitis Day, let’s continue building communities where sexual health conversations are informed, inclusive, and free from stigma.
Because awareness matters.
Access matters.
And barrier methods matter.
If your organization is reviewing its safer-sex supplies or educational resources, we’re here to help.
References
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Public Health Agency of Canada. (2024). Hepatitis B. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/hepatitis-b.html
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World Health Organization. (2024). World Hepatitis Day. https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-hepatitis-day