Promotion of Sexual Health as a Component of Overall Health System Sustainability – Literature Review

Session

Medicine and Nursing

Description

Sexual health represents a fundamental dimension of individual and social wellbeing. However, it is often undervalued in healthcare policies, affecting the capacity of health systems to remain sustainable and resilient to challenges such as demographic changes, health crises, and cultural stigmatization. Aim To examine the role of promoting sexual health as an integrative component of health system sustainability, by identifying best practices and the challenges that hinder its implementation. Methodology A review of the literature published in scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) during the period 2010–2025 was conducted. Articles, reports from international organizations, and policy guidelines related to the promotion of sexual health and its impact on the sustainability of health systems were included. Results The review revealed that integrating sexual health into public policies and health programs improves access to services, reduces the burden of sexually transmitted diseases, and contributes to gender equality. Moreover, countries that have implemented sustainable strategies for the promotion of sexual health report more resilient health systems in times of crisis, as well as broader community engagement in healthcare. The main barriers identified include lack of resources, social stigmatization, and insufficient cross-sectoral integration. Conclusions The promotion of sexual health is a key element in building sustainable and resilient health systems. Its inclusion requires an integrated approach that brings together policies, education, clinical services, and communities. Investment in this area not only improves individual and collective health but also strengthens the capacity of systems to respond to long-term challenges.

Keywords:

Sexual health, promotion, health system

Proceedings Editor

Edmond Hajrizi

ISBN

978-9951-982-41-2

Location

UBT Lipjan, Kosovo

Start Date

25-10-2025 9:00 AM

End Date

26-10-2025 6:00 PM

DOI

10.33107/ubt-ic.2025.373

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Oct 25th, 9:00 AM Oct 26th, 6:00 PM

Promotion of Sexual Health as a Component of Overall Health System Sustainability – Literature Review

UBT Lipjan, Kosovo

Sexual health represents a fundamental dimension of individual and social wellbeing. However, it is often undervalued in healthcare policies, affecting the capacity of health systems to remain sustainable and resilient to challenges such as demographic changes, health crises, and cultural stigmatization. Aim To examine the role of promoting sexual health as an integrative component of health system sustainability, by identifying best practices and the challenges that hinder its implementation. Methodology A review of the literature published in scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) during the period 2010–2025 was conducted. Articles, reports from international organizations, and policy guidelines related to the promotion of sexual health and its impact on the sustainability of health systems were included. Results The review revealed that integrating sexual health into public policies and health programs improves access to services, reduces the burden of sexually transmitted diseases, and contributes to gender equality. Moreover, countries that have implemented sustainable strategies for the promotion of sexual health report more resilient health systems in times of crisis, as well as broader community engagement in healthcare. The main barriers identified include lack of resources, social stigmatization, and insufficient cross-sectoral integration. Conclusions The promotion of sexual health is a key element in building sustainable and resilient health systems. Its inclusion requires an integrated approach that brings together policies, education, clinical services, and communities. Investment in this area not only improves individual and collective health but also strengthens the capacity of systems to respond to long-term challenges.