Last week, Galway played host to a pivotal National Health Promotion Conference, with a dedicated and timely focus on the critical area of sexual health. The event, held at the University of Galway, brought together a diverse group of researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and international experts to chart the ongoing course for a more inclusive, evidence-driven, and holistic approach to sexual and reproductive wellbeing in Ireland.
A significant highlight of the conference was the showcasing and insights by Dr. Fiona Mansergh from the Department of Health of Ireland’s new National Sexual Health Strategy 2025–2035. This comprehensive new framework, building on the successes and lessons learned from the previous strategy (2015-2020), outlines the nation’s ambitious goals for improving sexual health outcomes. The publication was also welcomed by Minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD (via pre-recorded message), and Professor Philip Dodd (Deputy Chief Medical Officer).
The conference, titled “From Awareness to Action: Advancing Sexual Health Promotion,” delved into a wide array of topics crucial for fostering a healthier sexual landscape in Ireland. Key themes explored included, quality sexuality education, equitable access to healthcare and stigma reduction.
International experts as well as many colleagues from our Sexual Health Programme and partner agencies shared their insights and experiences, offering valuable perspectives on universal challenges in sexual and reproductive health.
The conference also celebrated the progress Ireland has made in recent years, from declining teenage pregnancies to increased access to contraception and more open discussions about LGBTQ+ rights. However, speakers were candid about the ongoing challenges, including ongoing high STI rates whilst welcoming recent decreases, particularly in chlamydia and gonorrhoea in young people. Many speakers highlighted the need for continued access to combination prevention approaches and data to inform our responses. While the morning keynote speaker Professor Kaye Wellings (London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine), highlighted how far we have come in addressing sexual health needs, the discussions also highlighted that shame, silence and taboo are still limiting engagement with sexual health and wellbeing. Professor Fiona Lyons, Clinical Lead with the HSE Sexual Health Programme highlighted the progress and learning made in the decade since the first National Sexual Health strategy including the National Condom Distribution service and the free home STI testing service. She also welcomed the focus on equity in the second National Sexual Health Strategy.
The organisation of the National Health Promotion Conference was led by University Galway, Health Promotion Research Centre in partnership with HSE Health and Wellbeing, the Department of Health and the Association for Health Promotion in Ireland.