Sexual Health Blog

When morality becomes a substitute for religion: Why the debate on sex work so often falls flat Some discussions are exhausting. And then there are those that no longer even want to be discussions. The debate on sex work increasingly falls into the latter category. Anyone who publicly advocates for the rights of sex workers today often encounters a striking pattern: facts are ignored, scientific findings […]

We all carry dreams and desires, but we also carry the whispers that try to stop us: “No, you can’t”, “you don’t deserve happiness” or “don’t even try.” These voices are not ours. They are fear. And fear grows when we stay silent.

People told me I was “crazy”, doing things meant only for boys. But my inner voice told me, “Be happy, Eric”.

But how can we speak of rights when women are still not treated equally in the HIV response? How can we speak of justice when gender‑based violence continues to silence so many? How can we speak of action when prevention tools for women are still out of reach, even though we make up more than half of all people living with HIV worldwide?

Weren’t we supposed to end AIDS by 2030? Because right now, it feels like we’re moving backwards. Discrimination is the barrier blocking every step of progress. Without confronting it, the promise to end AIDS by 2030 becomes nothing more than a fantasy dressed up as progress.

SHAPE makes its public debut on October 17, 2025, during the European AIDS Clinical Society (EACS) Conference in Paris, where it presents its mission and invites new members to join.

Governments and Their Bodies Open to Partnership Governments across Europe and the EECA region are actively seeking partnerships focused on community engagement. They understand that successful public health strategies require input from local populations. For instance, the EU Health Programme has allocated over €450 million from 2014 to 2020 to support projects that promote cooperation and shared best practices among member states. This commitment fosters an environment wher

The first step in empowering a community dedicated to sexual health is to create a strong network throughout Europe. This network should consist of individuals, organizations, and advocates who genuinely care about sexual health. For instance, organizations like Sexuality Education Network in the UK and EUSAF in Germany can join forces, sharing their unique insights and approaches. By connecting diverse voices, we build a powerful coalition capable of increasing our collectiv

The Legacy of the HIV Movement The HIV movement traces its beginnings to the early 1980s when the first AIDS cases emerged. Activists swiftly organized to raise awareness, challenge falsehoods, and advocate for the rights of those living with HIV. This grassroots determination was fueled by urgency and a commitment to community support. Consider this: within a decade of the epidemic's onset, the first antiretroviral therapies became available, transforming HIV from a death se