ireland Prioritizes Sexual health with New National Strategy & Increased Funding
Galway, Ireland – University of Galway today hosted the annual Health Promotion Conference, focusing on advancements and emerging challenges in sexual health.The event, a collaboration between the University’s Health Promotion Research Center, the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive Sexual Health Program, and the Association for Health Promotion Ireland, convened researchers, practitioners, and experts to chart the future of sexual health and wellbeing in Ireland [[1]].
The conference, titled From Awareness to Action: Advancing Sexual Health Promotion, centered around the newly published National Sexual Health Strategy 2025-2035 and its 2025-2028 Action Plan, presented by the Government [[2]]. Discussions encompassed quality sexuality education, equitable healthcare access, stigma reduction, and emerging issues like digital sexual behaviors and STI/HIV prevention.
Despite progress in areas like declining teenage pregnancies and increased contraception access,Ireland faces ongoing challenges including rising STI/HIV rates,the need for DSGBV prevention and survivor support,and persistent stigma hindering care access.
minister of State Jennifer Murnane O’Connor announced an additional €1.35 million allocated in 2025 to free home STI testing, HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), and the free contraception scheme. “Normalising conversations about sexual health” is a key goal, she stated, to encourage testing and ensure inclusive access to care.
university of Galway’s Interim President, Professor Peter mchugh, emphasized the University’s commitment to public health and social change, highlighting the conference’s importance in addressing a historically under-prioritized topic.International experts from Canada, Belgium, Uganda, and the UK contributed a global viewpoint.
The conference underscored the importance of a holistic and inclusive approach to sexual and reproductive health, reaching diverse populations across genders, sexual orientations, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds [[3]]. Professor Saoirse nic Gabhainn of University of galway noted the broad scope of sexual health, extending beyond physical wellbeing to encompass emotional, social, and cultural dimensions.Keywords: Sexual Health,Ireland,National Strategy,STI,HIV,PrEP,Contraception,University of Galway,Health Promotion,Public Health.
