Based on a rigorous and current review of evidence on sexuality education programmes, thisInternational Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education is aimed at education and health sectordecision-makers and professionals. It has been produced to assist education, health and otherrelevant authorities in the development and implementation of school-based sexuality educationprogrammes and materials. Volume I focuses on the rationale for sexuality education and providessound technical advice on characteristics of effective programmes. A companion document,(Volume II ) focuses on the topics and learning objectives to be covered in a ‘basic minimumpackage’ on sexuality education for children and young people from 5 to 18+ years of age andincludes a bibliography of useful resources. The International Technical Guidance is relevant notonly to those countries most affected by HIV and AIDS, but also to those facing low prevalenceand concentrated epidemics.