The World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) was founded in 1978 by a multidisciplinary, worldwide group of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with the aim of promoting sexual health and sexual rights throughout the world. The association was formerly named the World Association for Sexology.
Since founding, WAS has accomplished its aims through the advancement and exchange of scientifically-based multidisciplinary sexuality research, sexuality education, health promotion, and behavioral and clinical sexology. One important milestone has been the creation of the Declaration of Sexual Rights in Hong Kong 1999.
More recently, the WAS constituency has become involved in advocating for changes in public policy to recognize sexual health and rights as key ingredients in overall health and social justice. Financial support from individuals, foundations, corporations, and governments has sustained this work in projects around the world.
Congresses of the World Association for Sexual Health
| Date | City | Country | |
| 2021 | Cape Town | South Africa | |
| 2019 | Mexico City | Mexico | |
| 2017 | Prague | Czech Republic | |
| 2015 | Singapore | Singapore | |
| 2013 | Porto Alegre | Brazil | |
| 2011 | Glasgow | United Kingdom | |
| 2009 | Gothenburg | Sweden | |
| 2007 | Sydney | Australia | |
| 2005 | Montreal | Canada | |
| 2003 | Havana | Cuba | |
| 2001 | Paris | France | |
| 1999 | Hong Kong | China , Hong Kong, SAR | |
| 1997 | Valencia | Spain | |
| 1995 | Yokohama | Japan | |
| 1993 | Rio de Janeiro | Brazil | |
| 1991 | Amsterdam | Netherlands | |
| 1989 | Caracas | Venezuela | |
| 1987 | Heidelberg | Germany | |
| 1985 | New Delhi | India | |
| 1983 | Washington | United States | |
| 1981 | Jerusalem | Israel | |
| 1979 | Mexico City | Mexico | |
| 1978 | Rome | Italy | |
| 1976 | Montreal | Canada | |
| 1974 | Paris | France |
* estimate