Sexual Health
An introductory training course on sexual health and human rights by WHO(RHR)/GFMER/UNESCO
Sexuality and sexual health are two closely related concepts fundamental to the overall health and well-being of populations. Unfortunately, progress towards developing a comprehensive approach to sexual health has been relatively slow. Despite the fundamental importance of sexuality as a core component of sexual health, their interlink is poorly understood by health care providers. This translates into low quality sexual health programmes, lack of (access to) essential sexual health services and negative consequences at population level such as stigma and discrimination.
This introductory course wants to increase the knowledge of health professionals about sexuality and sexual health and their meaningful inclusion within the overall health field. This to positively affect both the sexual and reproductive health and rights of their patients.
RHR/GFMER/UNESCO joint initiative
The development of this course is a joint initiative of the Department of Reproductive Health and Research of the World Health Organization (WHO/RHR), the Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research (GFMER) and the UNESCO Chair of Sexual Health and Human Rights.
The World Health Organization’s Department of Reproductive Health and Research
The World Health Organization’s Department of Reproductive Health and Research (RHR) includes the UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP). The Department and Special Programme provide leadership on matters critical to sexual and reproductive health through shaping the research agenda, and coordinating high-impact research; setting norms and standards; articulating an ethical and human-rights-based approach; and supporting research capacity in low-income settings.
The Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research
Established in 2002, the Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research (GFMER) is a non-profit Organization: the overall objective of the Foundation is to provide health education and promote research programs. Through its international network and partners, the Foundation actively contributes to promoting and disseminating evidence-based knowledge to health professionals worldwide.
The UNESCO Chair of Sexual Health and Human Rights
The UNESCO Sexual Health & Human Rights Chair is a French Organization that works internationally to unite doctors, psychologists, sexologists, sociologists, anthropologists, philosophers and lawyers, etc. Its goal is to promote both the development of sexual health globally and the human rights of individuals, couples and families. Its aims are educational and political, linked to the field work, particularly concentrating on respect, human dignity and gender equality.
Advisory group and overall coordination
Igor Toskin, MD, PhD, D.Sc
Scientist, Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization (WHO/RHR), Geneva, Switzerland
Thierry Troussier, MD
Professor, University Paris Diderot / Head of the International UNESCO Chair and UNITWIN network international on Sexual health and Human Rights
Aldo Campana, MD
Emeritus Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva / Director, Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Switzerland
Editorial team
Karim Abawi, MD, MSc, MPH (Chief editor)
Project Manager, Education & Research, Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research (GFMER), Geneva, Switzerland
Ingrid Geray, Lawyer
Executive committee of the International UNESCO Chair and UNITWIN network international on Sexual health and Human Rights
Raqibat Idris, MD, MPH
Technical Officer, Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research (GFMER), Geneva, Switzerland
Charlotte Campo, Lawyer
West Africa Regional Office of the UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR/WARO)
Alessandra Diehl, MD, MSc
Professor, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Brazil
Denise Leite Vieira, MSc, PhD
Professor, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Brazil
Valeska Padovese, MD
Specialist in Dermatology and Venereology Dermatology and Venereology Consultant, Genito-Urinary Clinic of Mater Dei Hospital, Malta
Josephine Agyeman-Duah, MSc
Technical Officer, Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research (GFMER), Geneva, Switzerland
Mirella Smith
Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy, Washington, United States of America
Sara Cottler, MSc
Technical Officer, Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research (GFMER), Geneva, Switzerland
Reviewers
Karel Blondeel
Consultant, Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization (WHO/RHR), Geneva, Switzerland
Ana Sofia De Vasconcelos
Consultant, Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization (WHO/RHR), Geneva, Switzerland
Nataliia Bakunina
Consultant, Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization (WHO/RHR), Geneva, Switzerland
Tamar Goldenberg
Center for sexuality and Health Disparities, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, United States of America
James Kiarie
Leader human reproduction team, Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization (WHO/RHR), Geneva, Switzerland
Sharful Islam Khan
Scientist and Head (A), Program for HIV & AIDS, Infectious Diseases Division (IDD), icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Lotta Löfgren-Mårtenson
Professor, Director, Centre for Sexology and Sexuality Studies, Malmö University
Carmen Logia
Assistant Professor, Factor-Iwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Nicholas Metheny
Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, United States of America
Marlene Wasserman
Clinical Sexologist, Couple and Sex Therapist, Sexual Medicine Consultant, Cape Town, South-Africa
Christine Winkelmann
Head of Unit HIV/STI prevention, Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA) in Cologne, Germany
Course contents
Module 1. Introduction to sexual health
Module 2. Key issues related to sexual health
Module 3. Sexual health and human rights
Module 4. Sexuality education and sexuality-related communication
Module 5. Health system response to sexual health
Course evaluation