A new glossary is helping ease some of the confusion and risks of misdiagnosis around sexual health terminology in the Inuktitut language.

The Inuktitut language did not have words for terms such as HIV/Aids, Chlamydia or gonorrhea. Health care workers had to describe the infections, which can differ between Inuktitut dialects.

Last winter, the Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada organization sought to develop a glossary of the terms.

The book, called Tukisiviit – Do You Understand Sexual Health, is now available to the public.

"This is for people who travel for medical reasons. We want them to understand in Inuktitut what their condition is clearly in their language," said Annie Aningmiuq, from Pauktuutit.

The book is being distributed to all communities in Nunavut, as well as to hospitals, schools and health and social services offices.

The book is free and can be ordered online.