CRC/C/THA/CO/2 page 13 Health and health services 51. While noting with appreciation the State party’s efforts to improve primary health care, in particular the immunization programme, and noting as well the progress achieved in reducing infant, child and maternal mortality, the Committee is nevertheless concerned at the regional disparities in accessibility of health services, at the prevailing situation of malnutrition among children, particularly iodine and iron deficiencies, and at the incidence of thalassemia in the country. It is also concerned at the low rate of exclusive breastfeeding and notes with concern that the provisions of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes have not been enacted as law. 52. The Committee recommends that the State party undertake all necessary measures: (a) To ensure equal access to quality health services by children in all areas of the country, including children living in remote areas; (b) To continue its efforts to improve prenatal care and to reduce maternal, infant and under-five mortality rates, paying particular attention to mothers and children living in remote areas of the country; (c) To improve the nutritional status of children, inter alia, through introducing legislation and policies to ensure that the State party will meet universal salt iodization (USI) and elimination of iron deficiency goals; (d) To continue to encourage exclusive breastfeeding for six months after birth, with the addition of an appropriate infant diet thereafter, taking into account the support needed for working mothers; (e) To continue its efforts to reduce the incidence of thalassemia in the country, including through early detection and treatment programmes; and (f) To continue to cooperate and seek technical assistance in this matter from, inter alia, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Adolescent health 53. The Committee notes with appreciation that adolescent drug use is now treated as a medical rather than criminal matter. It further appreciates that advertising for tobacco and alcohol is now prohibited. It is concerned, however, that the rates of drug and alcohol consumption among adolescents remain high. 54. The Committee recommends that the State party continue to promote effective drug and alcohol awareness and prevention programmes specifically targeting children and adolescents. It also recommends that the State party continue to provide treatment and rehabilitation programmes for children and adolescents with addiction to drugs and alcohol.

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