GENEVA — The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared September 4, “World Sexual Health Day.”
The leading international health body explained that this year the theme of the World Sexual Health Day is “Sexual Pleasure in Times of COVID-19.”
“Sexual health, when viewed affirmatively, requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence,” the WHO stated.
“It is fundamental to the overall health and well-being of individuals, couples and families, and to the social and economic development of communities and countries,” the organization’s statement declared.
According to the WHO, the ability of men and women to achieve sexual health and well-being depends on several factors, including the following:
- Access to comprehensive, good-quality information about sex and sexuality
- Knowledge about the risks they may face and their vulnerability to adverse consequences of unprotected sexual activity
- Ability to access sexual health care
- Living in an environment that affirms and promotes sexual health
Though the U.S. is currently one of the principal members of the WHO and has been since its inception, last July the Trump administration formalized its intent to withdraw from the health organization on July 6, 2021.