Sexual health and wellbeing is fundamental to a person’s health throughout their life. It is not just about the absence of illness, but it’s also about a positive, respectful approach to sexuality and relationships. From 2-5 November at the 26th Congress of the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS), experts from the World Health Organization and the UN’s Special Programme on Human Reproduction (HRP) will present research and advancements in sexual health within the theme of Bridging the gaps: Sexual health, rights, justice and pleasure for all.Read more about WHO and HRP’s definition and work on sexual health and wellbeing here.ProgrammeAccess the WAS 2023 programmeProgramme
highlights include: THURSDAY 2 NOVEMBER 15:00-15:30 - WAS GOLD MEDAL LECTURE:Three Decades Post-ICPD: Lessons from ‘Positive Deviant Countries’ in the Global South on Elevating School-Based Sexuality Education.Venkatraman Chandra-Mouli - Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research WHOModerated by Pedro Nobre - WAS Past President FRIDAY 3 NOVEMBER 11:00-12:00 - INVITED SYMPOSIUM:Backlash Against Comprehensive Sexuality EducationModerated by Venkatraman Chandra-MouliIn partnership with the International Association of Adolescent Health, International Federation of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, the International Pediatrics Association and the International Federation of Gynecologists and Obstetricians13:30-15:00 - WHO SYMPOSIUM:Launch of a WHO Sexual Health Assessment of Practices and Experiences (SHAPE) questionnaireChaired by Lianne GonsalvesIdeas to action: Addressing priorities through crowdsourcing and global research, Erin HunterSexual health behaviors, experiences and beliefs in Kenya: qualitative findings, Peter Muriuki GatheruWHO survey instrument for sexual practices, behaviours, and health-related outcomes, Vanessa BrizuelaUsing the WHO survey instrument in Portugal: real-world implementation experiences, Pedro Nobre SATURDAY 4 NOVEMBER 11:00-12:30 - SYMPOSIUM:Comprehensive Public Health solutions to sexual inequities: Exploring synergies between Sexual Justice, Sexual Pleasure, Sexual Wellbeing and Sexual HealthChaired by Kirstin MitchellThe sexual health pillar, Lianne GonsalvesThe pleasure pillar, Anne PhilpottThe justice pillar, Alain GiamiThe sexual well-being pillar, Kirsten Mitchell SUNDAY 5 NOVEMBER 11:00-12:30 - SYMPOSIUM:Putting Pleasure into the heart of Policy, Programming, Practise and Prevention LunchChaired by Anne PhilpottSexual Pleasure, Sexual Health and Sexual Rights: How to Keep Building the Pleasure Wave, Jessie Ford, Eli Coleman, World Association of Sexual Health, Sexual Pleasure Task ForceThe Case for Pleasure in SRHR: Building the Evidence Base for Policy Change, Lianne Gonsalves, Anne Philpott, Arushi Singh, Gerda Larrsson, Mirela ZanevaThe Pleasure Principles and Pleasure Toolkit: two inspirational guides to putting pleasure into practice, Francesca Barolo, Anne PhilpottOpening a Portal to Pleasure-Based Sexual and Reproductive Health around the Globe: A Qualitative Analysis and Best Practice Development Study, Rhiana G Mills, Anne Philpott, Katie Northcott, Emese Kovacs