Commission on Sexual Health

GETTING INVOLVED IN THE COMMISSION ON SEXUAL HEALTH, WHY YES?

Text: Emilie Kabasa | NORA 2021/2022

Sexual Health is a broad subject, the current definition of the WHO (2006) defines it as “a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health 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. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled.” With this in mind, it is not necessary to have a master degree to understand that there is still a lot to be done. Indeed, even if the WHO started to work in this field in 1974 and the global epidemic of HIV paved the way to the questions regarding sexual health during the 80s and 90s, it is only recently that many subjects came to the fore. From the emergence of the fight against discrimination toward the LGBTQIA+ community, passing through abortion rights, and the question of sexual harassment with the #Metoo movement, those past years were well and truly the demonstration that if Sexual Health does interest you, there is still a long way to go on the road of the WHO’s definition. SMSC Basel 2021 with the subject of Sexual Health was a good starting point to raise awareness about many subjects regarding this cause among medical students. Did it make you feel like you still have a lot to learn about the topic or made you realise that you are interested in the subject and you want to make things change and evolve? Have you been watching the last season of Sex Education and it made you dream of a world in which everyone has the right to be as well informed as in Moordale School? Are you passionate about Sexual and Reproductive Rights and you want to fight and invest your time for it? Wait no more, you are very welcome to join our Commission! This year, the main project will focus on doing an action for the Pride; an event that can potentially join all our associate members’ fields of action, namely sexual education, prevention, medical care of the LGBTQIA+ community, and eradication of HIV/STIs. Are you convinced and want to know more? Contact me at nora@swimsa.ch I am looking forward to meeting you and hearing your ideas! Hugs, Emilie Kabasa, NORA 2021/22