Kolkata:Annually observed on September 4 since 2010, World Sexual Health Day is an awareness day managed by the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS), a global advocacy organization committed to promoting best practices in sexual health.
The theme of the 2020 World Sexual Health Day is "Sexual Pleasure in Times of COVID-19". Sexual health, when viewed affirmatively, requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence.
It is fundamental to the overall health and well-being of individuals, couples and families, and to the social and economic development of communities and countries.The new world situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) requires special attention due to the confinement, social distance and hygiene measures recommended for its control, as well as the health, social and economic consequences after de-escalation of the measures mentioned to return to normalize life.
In each region of the world, the infection with COVID-19 has come at a different time, with a different incidence and with different governmental measures, but in society there will be significant social effects on sexual health, in couple relationships, in family relationships, in social relations and in mental health, as well as there will be economic difficulties due to the loss of many jobs, which will be the main sources of concern.
Sexual health and rights are an important public health problem that requires specific attention in times of pandemic and, therefore, the World Association for Sexual Health wants to focus our attention on their protection and on promoting gender equality and respect for sexual diversity.
The sexual health is defined as a state of physical, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality that requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relations, as well as the possibility of having pleasant and safe sexual experiences, free from all coercion, discrimination and violence (WHO, 2002).
In the same way that diseases affect women and men differently, the pandemic situation increases existing inequalities between women and girls, as well as discrimination of minority population groups by any condition (functional diversity, LGTBIQ population, immigrants, etc.).
In times of crisis, such as the quarantine situation, women and girls are at increased risk of intimate partner violence, sexual abuse, and family violence as a result of increasing tensions in the home from confinement. They also face increased risks from other forms of gender violence, including sexual exploitation and abuse in these situations.(UNI)