Threat to Sexual Health Research

What the NIH grant terminations mean & how to support frontliners against FGM.

View this email in your browser Dear WAS Members and Friends, This week's newsletter highlights major developments in Sexual Health and Rights—from valuable resources for frontline activists to alarming cuts in U.S. research funding. Here's what we bring you: ✔ WAS 2025 Webinar Replay – Everything you need to know before the Congress! ✔ New UNFPA Guide – Supporting front-liners in the fight against FGM. ✔ NIH Grant Terminations – How the Trump administration's cuts are impacting sexual health research.   Replay: WAS 2025 Webinar – Everything You Need to Know! Missed last week's webinar? We have the replay available for you now.   What to expect in Brisbane – program highlights, must-attend sessions, and networking opportunities. Behind-the-scenes insights – how WAS 2025 is shaping global conversations in sexual health and rights. Speakers and key themes – including the latest research and emerging issues.  Catch up on key insights from WAS 2025 Congress organizers and prepare to join us in Brisbane!   Watch the replay here Get Ready for WAS 2025 Now 🔹 Register for WAS 2025! 🔹 Explore the Preliminary Program. 🔹 Meet the Speakers. 🔹 Plan Your Travel. UNFPA's New Guide for Frontliners Against FGM We would also like to share UNFPA's "Girls, Youth, Women and Feminist Movements Against Female Genital Mutilation: A Practical Guide for Frontliners", a first-of-its-kind resource to support activists, NGOs, and community leaders in ending FGM. 📖 What's Inside? ✔ Jargon-free explanations of movement-building strategies. ✔ The Four Stages of FGM Movements – step-by-step guidance for change. ✔ Five essential tools for tracking impact, engaging stakeholders, and measuring progress. Download the guide now and help empower frontline activists in the fight against FGM.   Access the UNFPA Guide Here NIH Grant Terminations: A Direct Attack on Sexual Health Research The Trump administration has terminated dozens of NIH research grants, disproportionately targeting studies related to LGBTQ+ health, reproductive rights, and gender research. Among the terminated grants: - Social Networks & Policy Effects on Sexual & Gender Minorities in the U.S. South - Health Outcomes of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy - Intersectional Discrimination & Sexual Health in Young Black MSM - HIV Prevention & Mental Health Support for LGBTQ+ Communities These cuts threaten critical research into public health, HIV/AIDS prevention, and gender-based disparities. What can you do? Share this issue, advocate for research protections, and stay informed on how these policies impact global sexual health initiatives.   Read the full list of terminated grants here The fight for Sexual Health, Rights, Justice, and Pleasure continues. Let's keep pushing forward—together. The World Association for Sexual Health   Upcoming WAS 2025 Deadlines: Accommodation Bookings: 17 May 2025 Standard Registration: 30 May 2025 Click here to visit the WAS website Not on our mailing list yet? Sign up here! Support the Mission of WAS We invite you to support the ongoing work of the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS). Your contributions help us continue our mission of promoting Sexual Health, Rights, and Justice globally. Consider becoming a supporting member or making a financial contribution today. Donations are tax-deductible in the USA. Donate Here Copyright © 2025 World Association for Sexual Health (WAS), All rights reserved. You are receiving this newsletter because you have previously expressed interest in our content by opting in on our website or through participation in one of our online events, such as our monthly webinars. We're committed to keeping you informed with the latest updates and insights. WAS Executive Officers Elna Rudolph (President), Alain Giami (Vice President), Luis Perelman (Secretary-General) WAS Executive Director René de Klerk, exec@worldsexualhealth.net, +27 60 864 8429 Our mailing address is: World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) 1300 South 2nd Street Suite 180 West Bank Office Building Minneapolis, Minnesota 55454 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.