Health is more than absence of disease or infirmity, it is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. Likewise, reproductive and sexual health is not only absence of disease, but a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality and the reproductive system and its functions and processes.

In addition, sexual health and sexual and reproductive rights has not always been seen as part of health. However, ERIKS acknowledge the indivisible links between these areas and to areas such as gender equality, poverty and vulnerability. The reason why the right to health is one of ERIKS’ thematic areas is that it is a right in itself (Article 24 in the UNCRC) in addition to being intimately linked with poverty, vulnerability as well as the other rights of the child.