Research studies are important to better understand the ever-changing social aspects of human sexuality and also help us find the answers/solutions to specific scientific and health questions/problems. Although there is a potential for ‘evidence’ to change over a period of time, the Centre will use the best available evidence at any particular time in the maintenance of health, prevention of disease and deliver services to particular client groups.

From time to time,the Centre will undertake research studies either solely or in collaboration with various organisations, both nationally and internationally. All research studies will be done in accordance with strict guidelines for good clinical practice and be approved and monitored by a registered ethics committee.

Education and training for health professionals
Any health professional dealing with people of any age, gender or health status will at some time in their professional experience find themselves dealing with issues of sexual health in their respective professional role. Also, health professionals are vital to the maintenance of an individual’s sexual health and promotion of responsible sexual behaviour.

Basic knowledge of human sexuality, respectful attitude towards persons with different sexual orientation and sexual practices and basic skills in identifying and, if necessary, referring to the appropriate professional, problems of sexual health are the education and training requirements for health professionals put forward by the World Health Organisation.

Currently, in India, such a comprehensive education and training curriculum virtually does not exist either as part of the undergraduate or post-graduate medicine curriculum. Lack of sexual health trained health professionals form a barrier in the management and more importantly prevention of sexual health problems. This is increasingly important given the fact that India has a very high proportion of youth population in the world with over 75% of its total population (1.2 billion) under 35 years of age.

The Centre will actively seek opportunities to work in collaboration with local (India) educational institutions and/or universities to develop an education and training model for health and allied health professionals.