Youth Leaders Promote Sexual Health Awareness

The Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study has released its 2021/2022 survey data focusing on adolescent sexual health across 42 countries, highlighting issues like sexual initiation, contraceptive use, and the influence of social determinants. In the Philippines, the EpiC project organized the Young Influencers Convention to promote HIV and sexual health among youth, emphasizing sex-positive messaging to enhance education and access to services amid a rising HIV epidemic. This was echoed by guest speakers who advocated for pleasure-based discussions in relation to HIV management. Meanwhile, the WHO declared mpox a global health emergency, predominantly affecting homosexual men, raising concerns about the implications of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for unprotected sex and STI spread. In France, the Ministry of Public Health is launching a campaign during National Sexual Health Week to address various sexual health topics, highlighting the importance of informed decisions regarding contraception and STI screenings. These initiatives underscore the critical need for comprehensive sexual health education and support across different demographics.