The state of sexuality education in Hong Kong has recently come under the spotlight and made international headlines. As an organization committed to holistic sexual health and comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), we believe that widespread attention is not a bad thing. If we seize this opportunity, we can put things back on track and empower our young people to make informed and responsible life decisions.

Sexual health is a serious issue, and it should not be considered taboo in our society. According to the World Health Organization, sexual health “is fundamental to the overall health and well-being of individuals, couples and families, and the social and economic development of communities and countries. Sexual health, when viewed affirmatively, requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence.”

Promoting inclusive and holistic sexual health necessitates not only a proper mindset but also a thorough understanding of the evidence-based and scientific knowledge underlying the issue. One thing is for sure: A lack of effective CSE renders children and young people vulnerable to sexual exploitation. It hampers their ability to develop respectful social and sexual relationships in their lives. Therefore, we must abandon Victorian morality and embrace modern understandings of sexuality.

For young people, this means we should give them age-appropriate information about their sexuality and sexual and reproductive health. A good starting point is the “International Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education”, developed by several United Nations agencies, including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the United Nations Population Fund, the United Nations Children’s Fund, the UN Women, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, and the World Health Organization. The technical guidance provides comprehensive and accurate information on a variety of sexual-health and life-skills topics appropriate for children and adolescents. Most importantly, giving young people scientifically accurate information about sexuality is critical to their health and survival.

Understandably, parents and teachers may be uncomfortable discussing sexuality, and some may even believe an abstinence-only approach is more effective in promoting health outcomes for young people. However, the evidence is crystal clear. The WHO states unequivocally that “abstinence-only programs — which instruct young people to not have sex outside of marriage — are ineffective in preventing early sexual activity and risk-taking behavior, and potentially harmful to young people’s sexual and reproductive health.”

Once upon a time, people believed that the world was flat, and women were subservient to men. Nowadays, we know the world is not flat, and unequal gender norms are harmful. As a result, there is an urgent need to review and develop a curriculum that will pave the way for the adoption of CSE in schools. Also, given the public health implications of CSE, public health officials and the relevant stakeholders should be involved in this critical exercise.

In addition to promoting CSE, we urge the government to invest in sexual health by reviewing how services are delivered. The current model of providing publicly funded health services on sexually transmitted infections through social hygiene clinics may no longer be effective.

Instead, establishing district health centers presents an excellent opportunity to rethink the delivery model. To break down service silos and achieve health equity, it is worthwhile to incorporate sexual health into primary care. Aside from integration, the service environment must be safe and nonjudgmental.

Hong Kong is blessed with world-class healthcare; we need the right policy and leadership to break through fixed and biased mindsets. As the saying goes, “prevention is better than the cure.” Without a doubt, CSE and health prevention are inextricably linked.

The benefits of adopting CSE are numerous. When young people understand how to make informed and responsible decisions, the likelihood of them engaging in risky behavior decreases. It will allow them to thrive. A thriving and healthy society will improve social cohesion and economic outcomes.

The choice is ours, and we invite stakeholders to work together to build a healthy and inclusive Hong Kong.

The author is CEO of AIDS Concern.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.