4th September: World Sexual Health Day

World Sexual Health Day is celebrated on September 4 each year. This date was established to promote the importance of sexual health as an integral aspect of human well-being and to raise awareness of sexual health issues worldwide.

Sexual health is not limited solely to the absence of disease, but encompasses a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality. It involves the ability to have safe and satisfying sexual relations, respect for sexual rights, and making informed and autonomous decisions about one’s sexuality.

Sexual and reproductive rights

«Sexual and reproductive rights relate to the freedom of individuals to decide about and freely exercise their sexuality.»

Reproductive rights encompass certain human rights that are already recognized in national laws, international human rights documents and other consensus documents. These rights are based on the recognition of the basic right of all couples and individuals to decide freely and responsibly the number and spacing of their children and to have the information and means to do so, as well as the right to attain the highest standard of sexual and reproductive health. It also includes the right to make decisions concerning reproduction free of discrimination, coercion or violence, in accordance with human rights documents.

What is the World Association for Sexual Health?

The World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) is an international organization that brings together non-governmental organizations, scientific societies and professionals in the area of human sexuality, whose main objective is to promote sexual rights, based on universal human rights for adequate sexual health. It promotes sexual health through campaigns, events and educational activities in different regions of the world.

The celebration of this day varies from country to country and organization to organization, but usually includes educational events, conferences, awareness campaigns and activities to promote sexual health and rights everywhere.

It is important to emphasize that sexual health is a fundamental aspect of overall health, and its promotion contributes to a more informed, healthy and respectful of diversity society.