Dr. Faysal El Kak, a leading expert in sexual and reproductive health from the American University of Beirut (AUB), has been elected President of the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) for the 2025–2029 term. This historic appointment marks the first time a scholar from outside the Americas, Europe, and South Africa has held this prestigious global role.
WAS is a globally recognized umbrella organization comprising sexual health professionals, educators, service providers, and rights advocates. The association works to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) across the lifespan and around the world. Through partnerships with international institutions such as the World Health Organization (WHO), UNFPA, IPPF, the Gates Foundation, and UNESCO, WAS plays a central role in shaping global standards, research, and access to sexual health education and care.
Dr. El Kak currently serves as senior lecturer and clinical associate at AUB’s Faculty of Medicine and is Director of the Women Integrated Sexual Health (WISH) Program at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC). He is also a member of WHO’s Strategic Technical Advisory Group of Experts, underscoring his influence in global health policy and advocacy.
“This election is a recognition of Dr. El Kak’s lifelong dedication to women’s health and sexual and reproductive rights,” said an AUB spokesperson. “It also reaffirms AUB’s commitment to advancing global dialogue and equity in health.”
Dr. El Kak’s leadership at WAS is expected to bring fresh perspectives and stronger representation for underserved and underrepresented regions in global SRHR discussions. His election reflects growing international recognition of voices from the Global South in setting health and human rights agendas.
As WAS President, Dr. El Kak will steer the organization’s work in:
- Strengthening rights-based, science-informed approaches to sexual health
- Expanding global access to quality sexual and reproductive health services
- Advocating for justice, equity, and pleasure in sexual health discourse
- Supporting regional federations in capacity-building and policy reform
The appointment also bolsters AUB’s global presence in public health leadership and reaffirms its role as a hub for cutting-edge research, education, and advocacy in the MENA region and beyond.
Dr. El Kak’s presidency is anticipated to catalyze inclusive international collaboration, particularly in the Global South, and amplify WAS’s mission of universal sexual rights, health, and justice.
