Promotion of Sexual Health of Recommendations for Action

This publication of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), seeks to address developments that have occurred in the field of
human sexuality throughout the Americas. Carried out in collaboration with the World Association for Sexology, PAHO initiated a re-examination of this issue building on PAHO's initial publication that came out twenty-five years ago.

According to the report, there have been advances in recognising the complexities in sexual education, counseling and treatment. Additionally, research has identified new approaches and interventions that are more effective. The objectives of this study are

to:

• "develop a conceptual framework for the promotion of Sexual Health
• identify Sexual Health concerns and problems in the Region of the Americas
• suggest actions and strategies to achieve and maintain Sexual Health"

One of the advances in this latest edition of the report, is the use of precise definitions within the field of human sexuality and sexual health so that these issues can be effectively communicated. According to the report, "human sexuality as a concept defies easy definition." In essence the definition is affected by the particular socio-cultural and historical context and "process" in which the definition is constructed. For this report, sex is defined as referring " to the sum of biological characteristics that define the spectrum of humans as females and males." The report also states that for "conceptual precision, it was agreed that for technical discussions and documents the usage of the term “sex” be restricted to the biological dimensions."

Sexuality is defined as referring to "a core dimension of being human which includes sex, gender, sexual and gender identity, sexual orientation, eroticism, emotional attachment/love, and reproduction. It is experienced or expressed in thoughts, fantasies, desires, beliefs, attitudes, values, activities, practices, roles, relationships." Sexuality is also described as "a result of the interplay of biological, psychological, socio-economic, cultural, ethical and religious/spiritual factors. While sexuality can include all of these aspects, not all of these dimensions need to be experienced or expressed. However, in sum, our sexuality is experienced and expressed in all that we are, what we feel, think, and do."

The report describes another advancement in the way that human sexuality is perceived. It is now recongnised that "the socio-cultural components (shared meanings) of sexuality are critical for the conceptualization of human sexuality," and that "...there is a clear trend in theoretical approaches that sexuality refers not only to the reproductive capabilities of the human being, but also (and in many instances, mainly) to pleasure."

According to this report, "sexual health concerns and problems are important to address and find solutions for not only because they undermine Sexual Health, and therefore the general health of the individual, family and society, but also because their presence might signal other health problems."

The report outlines a series of strategies under these goals to help achieve advances in sexual health:

• "Goal 1: Promote Sexual Health including the elimination of barriers to Sexual Health
• Goal 2: Provide comprehensive sexuality education to the population at large
• Goal 3: Provide education, training and support to professionals working in Sexual Health related fields
• Goal 4: Develop and provide access to comprehensive Sexual Health care services to the population
• Goal 5: Promote and sponsor research and evaluation in sexuality and Sexual Health, and the dissemination of the knowledge derived from it"

The report concludes that "it is indispensable to have Sexual Health integrated into public health programmes."