Scotland-wide indicators published by NHS Quality Improvement Scotland show that teenagers in the most deprived areas are three times more likely to become pregnant than their counterparts in the most affluent parts of the country. Promoting positive sexual health is thus a key public health challenge for the Scottish Executive. Sexual health is not just the absence of disease but includes an intricate range of ethical, moral, cultural and social issues. Improving sexual health requires a holistic approach that incorporates the personal, social, emotional and spiritual, as well as the physical, aspects of sexuality. The expected outputs are: to reduce unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections; to enhance the provision of sexual health services; and to promote a broad understanding of sexual health and sexual relationships that encompasses emotions, attitudes and social context.