World Sexual Health Day promotes inclusive wellbeing and rights

World Sexual Health Day, observed annually on September 4, is being marked globally with the theme ‘Every Body’. This initiative, led by the World Association for Sexual Health, emphasizes that sexual health, rights, and pleasure belong to everyone, regardless of age, gender, or physical condition.

Health experts and organizations are using the day to advocate for comprehensive sexual education and improved access to healthcare. Key discussions focus on the importance of prevention regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies, as well as the need to address sexual ageism. Specifically, there is a push to recognize the sexual wellbeing of older populations and to combat the stigma often associated with changing bodies.

In various regions, local health authorities are implementing workshops and awareness campaigns. These efforts aim to move beyond a purely biomedical view of sexual health to include emotional, social, and mental dimensions. Experts highlight that effective education is crucial to prevent misinformation, particularly as digital algorithms increasingly become a primary source of information for young people.