On September 4, 2024, World Sexual Health Day serves as a critical reminder of the importance of sexual health as a fundamental aspect of overall health, gender equality, and broader social and economic development. Sexual health encompasses physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being related to sexuality. It goes beyond the mere absence of disease or dysfunction, recognizing the need for bodily autonomy, control over fertility, and the ability to engage in safe, consensual, and satisfying sexual relationships.
The World Health Organization (WHO) remains committed to advancing sexual health and well-being across all stages of life. This commitment is integral to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), which are crucial for fostering healthy societies where individuals can experience their sexuality positively and with dignity. WHO’s efforts in this regard are multifaceted, addressing both long-standing issues and emerging challenges in sexual health.
One of the key initiatives launched by WHO is the Sexual Health Assessment of Practices and Experiences (SHAPE) questionnaire. Released late last year, the SHAPE questionnaire is designed to enhance the collection and comparison of data on sexual practices and sexual health-related outcomes across countries. This tool aims to provide a more accurate picture of sexual health worldwide, enabling policymakers and healthcare providers to develop more effective strategies for improving sexual health outcomes.
In addition to the SHAPE questionnaire, WHO has also focused on addressing the global burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). STIs remain widespread globally, with significant gaps in evidence and available tools hindering prevention, control, and management efforts. To address these challenges, WHO has identified global research priorities for STIs, highlighting the most critical areas of research needed to meet public health needs. This initiative seeks to close existing gaps in knowledge and resources, ultimately improving STI prevention and treatment worldwide.
Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is another area where WHO has been actively engaged. CSE is essential for equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions about their sexual health. However, CSE often faces resistance due to cultural and social barriers. WHO has been working in collaboration with other agencies to build support for CSE by emphasizing the scientific evidence and health benefits underpinning it. This effort aims to ensure that CSE is recognized as a vital component of sexual health education and is implemented more widely and effectively.
In recent years, WHO has also strengthened its focus on elements of sexual health and well-being that have historically received less attention and funding, such as menstrual health, endometriosis, and menopause. These issues, which affect millions of individuals worldwide, are often overlooked in health discussions, leading to a lack of adequate resources and support. WHO’s commitment to these areas was highlighted during a side event at the 77th World Health Assembly, co-hosted by the governments of Sweden, Costa Rica, and the UK, which focused on menstrual health and hygiene. Following this event, WHO has begun the process of developing global normative guidelines for Member States on menstrual health and hygiene, endometriosis, and menopause. These guidelines aim to provide a framework for addressing these critical aspects of sexual health, ensuring that individuals receive the care and support they need throughout their lives.
As World Sexual Health Day 2024 underscores the importance of sexual health, WHO’s ongoing efforts to advance sexual health and well-being are more crucial than ever. By focusing on comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights, addressing global challenges such as STIs, and promoting areas like menstrual health and menopause, WHO is working to create a world where all individuals can experience their sexuality positively, with dignity, and free from discrimination. These initiatives are vital for achieving not only better health outcomes but also for advancing gender equality and social development on a global scale.
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