National Sexual Health Week is driving a campaign to ensure sexuality is no longer a taboo subject by 2026. Public health efforts are currently focusing on improving STI prevention for youth, addressing HPV as a prevention “blind spot,” and treating sexual violence as a critical public health emergency.
- Goal for 2026: Eliminating the social taboo surrounding sexuality to improve health outcomes.
- Youth Prevention: A renewed focus on STI prevention, specifically identifying HPV as an overlooked area.
- Public Health Emergency: The classification of sexual violence as an urgent health crisis, distinct from general sexual health.
- Provider Support: The launch of FormaSantéSexuelle.fr to train healthcare professionals.
Why HPV is a “Blind Spot” in Youth Prevention
While general sexual health awareness has increased, public health authorities indicate that human papillomavirus (HPV) remains a significant gap in prevention efforts among young people. According to reports from National Sexual Health Week, HPV is currently viewed as an “angle mort”, or blind spot, in the way prevention is communicated and implemented for the youth population.
To address these gaps, initiatives are being developed in partnership with Destination Santé to strengthen the overall prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) specifically tailored for younger demographics.
Addressing Sexual Violence as a Health Crisis
Public health officials are emphasizing a critical distinction between sexual health and sexual violence. Authorities have categorized sexual violence not as a matter of sexuality, but as a genuine “urgence” de santé publique, or public health emergency.
“Ce n’est pas de la sexualité”
Public health guidance regarding sexual violence
By framing sexual violence as a health emergency rather than a behavioral or sexual issue, health systems aim to prioritize urgent medical and psychological interventions for survivors.
Training Healthcare Providers via FormaSantéSexuelle.fr
Improving patient outcomes requires a workforce that is comfortable and competent in discussing sexual health. To support this, the platform FormaSantéSexuelle.fr has been established. This digital tool is dedicated to the training of healthcare providers, ensuring that clinicians have the updated knowledge and communication skills necessary to handle sexual health consultations effectively.
The Path to 2026
The overarching objective of current health campaigns is to shift the cultural conversation around intimacy and health. The goal is to move toward a future where open communication replaces stigma.
“En 2026, la sexualité ne doit plus être un sujet tabou”
National Sexual Health Week objective
