CRC/C/TKM/CO/1
page 11
(c)
Undertake efforts to establish and implement alternative measures to
prevent the institutionalization of children with disabilities, including community-based
rehabilitation programmes and home-based care;
(d)
Pursue efforts to ensure that children with disabilities are enabled to exercise
their right to education to the maximum extent possible and facilitate inclusion in the
mainstream education system;
(e)
Undertake greater efforts to make available the qualified professional
(i.e. disability specialists) and financial resources necessary, especially at the local level and
to promote and expand community-based rehabilitation programmes, including parent
support groups;
(f)
Pursue efforts to combat negative social attitudes towards children with
disabilities and to avoid their marginalization and exclusion; and
(g)
Remove physical barriers to enable effective access of children with
disabilities to school and other institutions and public services.
Health and access to health-care services
51.
The Committee welcomes the free medical care guaranteed to children in the State party,
its certification as a polio-free country since 2002 and its recognition as the fourth country in the
world to ensure universal salt iodization in accordance with generally accepted international
standards. However, it is concerned that the health sector continues to be faced with serious
problems affecting the health condition of children. In particular, the Committee expresses
concern that:
(a)
According to an independent study conducted in 2004, almost 80 per cent of
infant deaths in early and late neonatal period were caused by infections and could have been
prevented through simple and cost-effective preventive measures and treatment;
(b)
Maternal mortality, despite recent progress, remains high;
(c)
Official information about the infant mortality rate are inaccurate, partly due to
inadequacies in the death registration system;
(d)
Hospitals lack sufficient obstetric supplies and emergency medicines; and
(e)
There is a lack of updated data on the nutritional status of children.
52.
The Committee recommends that the State party strengthen its efforts to improve
the health situation of children in the State party, including through:
(a)
Ensuring the provision of necessary medical assistance and health care
access to all children with emphasis on the development of primary health care;
(b)
Urgently addressing the issue of infant and child mortality, especially by
focusing on preventive measures and treatment;