Irish Healthcare Awards 2025: Debunking The Myths Recognised for Excellence in Sexual Health Education

We’re delighted to share that Debunking the Myths: The Science Behind Our Sexual Health was Highly Commended in the Public Healthcare Initiative of the year category at the Irish Healthcare Awards 2025, last night. This recognition is a testament to the dedication, passion, and impact of our programme in promoting inclusive, evidence-based sexual health education across Ireland. 

We are deeply thankful to our funders and stakeholders whose belief in our mission makes everything possible: Research Ireland, whose support enables us to pursue innovation and impact through rigorous, evidence-based programming. The RCSI which proudly provides the institutional backbone for our work. The Rotunda Hospital, whose collaboration strengthens our clinical relevance and community reach. 

Their continued investment in sexual health education is not only vital to our success — it’s a powerful statement about the importance of empowering people with innovation, community, and fact-based education. 

Honouring Excellence in Public Health 

While the top honour in our category went to Croí, the West of Ireland Cardiac and Stroke Foundation, in partnership with the Irish Farmers’ Association, for their outstanding Farmer Health Checks initiative, we are proud to stand alongside a remarkable group of finalists who are transforming public health in Ireland: 

• Drinkaware, supported by Etch Communications – Sober Curiosity 

• GSK with EY – Developing a National Strategy for Adult Immunisation in Ireland 

• HSE – Chronic Disease Management Programme 

• HSE National Screening Service – Ireland’s Cervical Cancer Elimination Action Plan 

• Parkinson’s Ireland – Community-Based Parkinson’s Disease Nurse Specialist Service 

Gratitude to Our Supporters 

This achievement would not be possible without the unwavering support of the teachers, students, doctors, and nurses who champion our programme in classrooms, clinics, and communities.  

We are especially grateful to our facilitators, the doctors, nurses and psychologists whose commitment and energy bring our mission to life — without them, we wouldn’t have a leg to stand on. 

Continuing the Conversation 

As we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on our core mission: empowering people with accurate, accessible, and engaging sexual health education. Thank you to everyone who has helped us challenge misinformation and promote science-based understanding — this recognition belongs to all of you. 

 

To learn more about the project, find a suite of educational videos on the Debunking the Myths TikTok account @debunkingmyths_ and Instagram @DebunkingMyths_. Debunking the Myths: The Science Behind Our Sexual Health is developed by the RCSI Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in collaboration with the Rotunda Hospital. It is funded by Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland.