World Sexual Health Day 2025 Focuses on Pleasure, Rights & Expanded Research
GENEVA – As World Sexual Health Day approaches in 2025, the World Health Association (WHO) and the UN’s Special Program in Human Reproduction (HRP) are emphasizing the critical link between sexual health, overall well-being, and fundamental human rights.A growing body of research underscores the need for inclusive, people-centered approaches to sexual health that affirm pleasure and empower individuals.Recent findings published in March 2025 reveal that incorporating a pleasure-based approach into HIV public interaction campaigns can yield notable benefits. A systematic review of 29 campaigns across multiple regions, contributed to by HRP researchers, demonstrated that integrating elements of enjoyment, empowerment, and emotional connection can reduce stigma, improve knowledge, and encourage safer behaviors like condom use and HIV testing.
This emphasis on affirming sexual rights and pleasure builds on a broader effort to advance sexual health across all life stages. in December 2024, WHO published a special theme issue of the Bulletin of the World Health Organization dedicated to “Advancing sexual health and well-being and rights.” The issue covers a diverse range of topics, including sexual practices, sexual empowerment, harmful gender norms, the environmental impact of menstrual hygiene products, endometriosis, and HIV prevention. The publication stresses the importance of stronger human rights frameworks, expanded self-care options, and more inclusive research.
Further bolstering these efforts, WHO released its global research priorities for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) last year, identifying 40 key areas for examination across diagnosis, prevention, management, and epidemiology. These priorities aim to guide researchers, funders, and policymakers in addressing critical evidence gaps and strengthening STI prevention and care globally.To improve monitoring and data collection, HRP and WHO are also supporting countries in utilizing the Sexual Health Assessment of Practices and Experiences (SHAPE) questionnaire, enabling the generation of comparable national data on sexual health outcomes.
These initiatives collectively demonstrate a renewed commitment from HRP and WHO to recognizing and prioritizing sexual health as a fundamental component of well-being and human rights for all.
