I REFER to yesterday's letter by the Ministry of Education (MOE), 'MOE: No complaints from parents, Dr Thio'.

I would like to assure parents that MOE is indeed open to feedback and suggestions. I wrote to the ministry last year expressing my concerns over the latest Breaking Down Barriers programme conducted by the Health Promotion Board in schools.

I was pleasantly surprised when Senior Minister of State Balaji Sadasivan gave a rather detailed reply to my concerns, on behalf of the Minister for Education.

I still have concerns regarding the implications of the way students are taught in the programme how to use condoms with a model. However, I believe that in a multi-religious and civil society, we must accept that we will have to agree to disagree on certain things.

The important point is to embrace core values that must guide society, and move forward as one nation.

For parents like me, recent events have highlighted the need to exercise our role as primary educators of our children, communicate with them regarding what they have learnt in school and guide them accordingly.

I also have reservations about the Association of Women for Action and Research's Comprehensive Sexuality Education programme, which may not have covered some pertinent points.

For example, a World Health Organisation report in 2004 quoted studies that showed consistent use of condoms resulting in an 80 per cent risk reduction of transmitting HIV, 62 per cent of transmitting gonorrhoea, and 26 per cent of transmitting chlamydia.

The Foundation for Aids Research noted that anal sex is far riskier than vaginal sex. Unprotected receptive anal sex is believed to be at least 10 times riskier than unprotected receptive vaginal intercourse in acquiring HIV.

This is because rectal tissue is more prone to tearing and has a larger surface area through which bacteria and viruses can enter.

Also, condom failure is higher during anal sex. A study published by the Journal Of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Human Retrovirology noted that condom failure was reported by 16.6 per cent of study participants, with failure rates of 2.1 per cent episodes of condom usage.

Were facts like these communicated to students?

Sexuality education involves accurate communication of facts to students, as well as empowering them with the necessary life skills and character development to help them make the best decisions for themselves, their families and society. Often, that involves engaging parents too.

Dr John Hui

This article was first published in The Straits Times.

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