The Unit of Health, Sexuality and Human Development (USSDH), based at the School of Health and Administration (FASPA) at Cayetano Heredia University, emerged in 2006 as an initiative of the team in charge of the Community-Based Study on Sexual Health (Estudio Comunitario de Salud Sexual, ECOSS), Peruvian site of the US-NIMH Collaborative HIV/STI Prevention Trial, which evaluated the efficacy of HIV prevention interventions based on the Diffusion of Innovations Theory.

The Unit is an institutional actor seeking to contribute, from its academic production and experience, the evidence-informed transformation of public policies and programmes in sexuality, health and human rights.

In 2007 the Institute of Studies in Health, Sexuality and Human Development (IESSDEH) was founded as a non-for profit civil association, aimed at analyzing and promoting public policies, social and health-related programs, implementing research, and disseminating knowledge in the areas of health, sexuality and human development in Peru and internationally.

A Memorandum of Understanding defines the relationship between IESSDEH and Cayetano Heredia University in terms of providing a space for collaboration in the pursuit of both institutions' objectives, through the implementation of research, projects, programs and consultancies related to health, sexuality and human development. This is done within a framework that carefully considers ethical issues and respect for the rights and culture of people.