Dear WAS Members and Friends,
This week, we'd like to share a significant milestone in the advocacy for sexual health and rights, as the HRP UN statement at the General Assembly on SRHR marks a historic first.
At its 56th session (18 June to 12 July), the Human Rights Council adopted resolution A/HRC/56/L.13 entitled "Human rights in the context of HIV and AIDS".
The text includes the term "sexual and reproductive health and rights" (clause 16), the first time in an agreed resolution:
Read the draft here: A/HRC/56/L.13 (undocs.org)
The resolution also makes numerous references to key populations, noting the lack of funding for HIV programmes for them, the need to further engage key populations, to focus efforts to reduce their HIV risk, and to include them within universal access programmes.
It is a monumental win to have sexual health and rights included in an agreed UN resolution, underscoring the crucial advocacy work that WAS is doing.
| | We are also pleased to announce the establishment of the East Mediterranean Federation of Sexual Health (EMFeSH) as an official federation under the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS). This historic milestone brings experts from the Middle East to the global table, allowing the world to become aware of their challenges and benefit from their invaluable expertise.
The replay of last week's webinar is now available. Led by the inaugural president, Dr. Faysal El Kak, and featuring speakers who are all EMFeSH Board members, this event covered critical topics related to Sexual Health and Rights (SRHR) in the East Mediterranean Region.
You can learn more about the speakers and the topics covered in this webinar below.
| | Pulsation & Pleasure 2024 Conference | | | We'd also like to bring to your attention the Pulsation & Pleasure 2024 Online Summer Conference, hosted by the Wilhelm Reich Museum, from August 2-4, 2024, via Zoom.
WAS Vice President, Alain Giami, will be a keynote speaker at this event, which will explore the latest scientific approaches to human sexuality, inspired by Wilhelm Reich's pioneering work.
Reich's research about orgasm and sexual freedom have significantly influenced modern perspectives on sexuality. | | | Dr. Faysal El Kak (Lebanon) - SRHR in the EMR | | | Dr. Faysal El Kak, the inaugural president of EMFeSH, is a Clinical Associate in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Director of the Women Integrated Sexual Health (WISH) Program at the American University of Beirut Medical Center.
With a focus on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), maternal health, and medical education integration, Dr. El Kak's leadership is pivotal in addressing socio-behavioral issues in women's health across the region. | | | Dr. Bouchra Assarag (Morocco) - SRHR as a Right | | | Dr. Bouchra Assarag is a public health expert with extensive experience in rural medicine and epidemiology. She leads the Moroccan sexual and reproductive health network and works closely with the Ministry of Health to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality.
Her advocacy for SRHR, quality obstetric care, and healthcare provider training is crucial for advancing maternal health in Morocco. | | | Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh (US and Iran) - Policy and SRHR | | | Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh, a globally renowned social psychologist and consultant, has advised numerous UN agencies and international organizations.
Her presentation highlighted the importance of understanding cultural, political, and economic contexts when addressing SRHR policies, emphasizing the need for a holistic and inclusive approach to policy development.
| | | Dr. Wafaa El Tantawy (UK and Egypt) - Clinicians' Role | | | Dr. Wafaa El Tantawy, a gynecologist and psychosexual therapist, leads the Psychosexual Clinic at her NHS trust in London.
Her insights focused on the critical role of clinicians in providing comprehensive SRHR services, advocating for better health policies, and ensuring confidentiality and cultural sensitivity in patient care. | | | Dr. Rubina Sohail (Pakistan) - SRHR in Pakistan | | | Dr. Rubina Sohail, a Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology, shared her extensive experience in addressing maternal and neonatal health, family planning, and gender-based violence.
Her advocacy for improving healthcare access and gender equality in Pakistan underscores the significant challenges and progress in the region. | | | Ms. Sohayla El Fakahany (Egypt) - Youth Engagement | | | | Sohayla El Fakahany, a social researcher and medical anthropologist, emphasized the importance of engaging youth in SRHR advocacy.
She highlighted the demographic significance of young people in the East Mediterranean region and the need for comprehensive sexuality education to empower them with knowledge and skills for informed decision-making. | | | Dr. Sahar Hassan (Palestine) - SRHR in Conflict | | | Dr. Sahar Hassan, an Associate Professor of Nursing, focused on the dire situation in Gaza and the impact of conflict on SRHR.
She stressed the urgent need for humanitarian aid and the importance of advocating for the rights and dignity of individuals in conflict zones. | | | | This webinar was a valuable opportunity for professionals and advocates to engage with experts and learn more about the challenges and advancements in the East Mediterranean region. It marks a significant milestone for WAS, as we now have an official federation in the Middle East, bringing regional expertise to the global stage. | | Thank you for being a valued member of our community and for your ongoing dedication to promoting Sexual Health and Rights worldwide.
Warm regards,
The World Association for Sexual Health
As we conclude, please remember to mark your calendars for these important upcoming WAS events:
World Sexual Health Day on September 4, 2024. Join us as we celebrate and advocate for Sexual Health and Rights across the globe.
The 27th Congress of the World Association for Sexual Health will be held in Brisbane, Australia, from June 16-19, 2025. We are now calling for Abstract Submissions. | | |  | |
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