Sexual health is everything

I want to remind all of the readers of this blog that sexual health encompasses ALL aspects of our lives. The World Association of Sexual health ( WAS) has a document that explains this in wonderful detail. The document is the Millenium Declaration of sexual health rights which has been designed to fit into the World Health Organisation Millenium Development Goals. Below are the rights in brief. Please click on the link if you would like more detail.

Recognize, Promote, Ensure and Protect Sexual Rights for All

Sexual rights are an integral component of basic human rights and therefore are inalienable and universal. Sexual health is an integral component of the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health. Sexual health cannot be obtained or maintained without sexual rights for all.


Advance Toward Gender Equality and Equity
Sexual health requires gender equality, equity and respect. Gender-related inequities and disparities of power deter constructive and harmonic human interactions and therefore the attainment of sexual health.

Condemn, Combat, and Reduce all Forms of Sexuality Related Violence
Sexual health cannot be attained until people are free of stigma, discrimination, sexual abuse, coercion and violence.

Provide Universal Access to Comprehensive Sexuality Education and Information
To achieve sexual health, all individuals, including youth, must have access to comprehensive sexuality education and sexual health information and services throughout the life cycle.

Ensure that Reproductive Health Programs Recognize the Centrality of Sexual Health
Reproduction is one of the critical dimensions of human sexuality and may contribute to strengthening relationships and personal fulfillment when desired and planned. Sexual health is a more encompassing concept than reproductive health. Current reproductive health programs must be broadened to address the various dimensions of sexuality and sexual health in a comprehensive manner.

Halt and Reverse the Spread of HIV/AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Infections
Universal access to effective prevention, voluntary counseling and testing, comprehensive care and treatment of HIV/AIDS and other STI are equally essential to sexual health. Programs that assure universal access must be scaled up immediately.

Identify, Address and Treat Sexual Concerns, Dysfunctions and Disorders
Since sexual concerns, dysfunctions and disorders all have an impact on quality of life, general and sexual health; they should be recognized, prevented and treated.

Achieve Recognition of Sexual Pleasure as a Component of Well-being
Sexual health is more than the absence of disease. Sexual pleasure and satisfaction are integral components of well-being and require universal recognition and promotion.