World sexual and reproductive health month 2026

Health starts here

Sexual and reproductive health is the foundation of health and well-being. It influences how we grow, how we form relationships, how we make decisions about our bodies and futures, and how we support the people around us. Throughout our lives, sexual and reproductive health shapes our experiences, opportunities and quality of life.

Whether we are choosing if and when to have children, navigating relationships and consent, supporting a loved one through pregnancy and childbirth, seeking fertility care, protecting ourselves from sexually transmitted infections or accessing essential health services, sexual and reproductive health is part of everyday life. These experiences affect not only individuals, but also families, communities and societies.

Sexual and reproductive health is relevant to all of us

Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are fundamental to health, dignity and well-being throughout life. This includes access to information and services related to sexuality, relationships, contraception, abortion, fertility care, pregnancy, childbirth, sexually transmitted infections and protection from violence.

Access to information saves lives

Most of the life threatening sexual and reproductive health challenges are preventable.

Scientific evidence helps health workers, policymakers and communities identify what works, improve services and ensure that resources are directed toward interventions that save lives and protect health. Evidence-based approaches have transformed care in areas ranging from postpartum haemorrhage and infertility to adolescent health and violence prevention.

For people everywhere, accurate information is essential for making informed decisions about health, relationships and future plans. Evidence-based information helps people understand their options, protect their health and exercise their rights.

Investments in sexual and reproductive health benefit everyone

Investing in SRHR reduces preventable illness and deaths, supports educational attainment, strengthens participation in the workforce and contributes to more resilient communities and health systems.

Respectful and people-centred care improves health outcomes, strengthens trust in health systems and helps ensure that no one is left behind. This is particularly important for adolescents, women and girls, people experiencing infertility, survivors of violence and those facing social or economic barriers to care.

Join us this September

World sexual and reproductive health month is an opportunity to take a deeper look at an area of health that affects everyone.

Throughout September, you will have opportunities to:

• participate in conversations and discussions with experts;
• explore new research, tools and resources;
• join interactive activities and events;
• hear personal stories and perspectives from around the world;
• learn more about the connections between health, rights, dignity and opportunity; and
• discover how science drives progress in sexual and reproductive health.

#StandWithScience