Olusegun Adeyemo
Every year on September 4, the world observes World Sexual Health Day, an initiative designed to raise awareness about sexual health, celebrate sexuality, and promote sexual rights. Coordinated by the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS), the event provides a global platform to highlight how sexual well-being is central to a healthier, more inclusive society.
The theme for this year’s commemoration is “Sexual Justice as the Foundation of a World Where Everyone Can Experience Sexual Health, Rights and Pleasure Free from Discrimination, Violence or Barriers.” It underscores the urgency of fairness and inclusivity in tackling sexual health challenges worldwide.
Speaking with The Journal Nigeria, public health expert Mrs. Ibukunayo John described the day as a reminder of the critical link between sexual health and overall well-being. She emphasized that silence and stigma often worsen sexual health problems, especially for women, who she urged to communicate openly with their partners instead of suffering in silence.
“In tackling sexual problems, collective effort and effective communication are needed. Many men tend to make assumptions about their partners’ sexual needs, and this can lead to depression, infertility, and other complications,” Mrs. John noted.
She further appealed to parents to provide early sexual health education, stressing that honest conversations at home could protect adolescents from misinformation, unhealthy relationships, and risky behaviors.
World Sexual Health Day continues to resonate across continents, reminding governments, health experts, and communities that sexual health and rights are not privileges but fundamental to human dignity and development.