CRC/C/RWA/CO/3-4
and resources to realize the rights of children with disabilities, including children with
mental disabilities;
(e)
Ensure that the NCPD includes a dedicated section on children, and
strengthen its capacity to introduce and monitor programmes promoting the rights of
children with disabilities, deinstitutionalization and community education about the
rights of children with disabilities, and provisions to support such children and their
families; and
(f)
Repeal article 42 of Law No. 54/2011 and ensure that the placement of
children with disabilities in institutions is used only as a measure of last resort, when it
is absolutely necessary and in the best interests of the child.
Health
45.
The Committee notes as positive the adoption of the National Policy for Child
Health, the three-year Multisectoral Strategy to Eliminate Malnutrition in 2009, and the
implementation of the Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses strategy since 2006,
which have led to a significant improvement in child health and well-being. The Committee
also notes the innovative community-based health insurance scheme aimed at increasing
access to medical services for the population, including children. However, the Committee
is concerned at the regional disparities in health among children living in urban and rural
areas and the several existing obstacles in accessing health services for children living in
remote areas and in poverty, such as lack of infrastructure, long travel distance to health
centres and inability to pay for health insurance.
46.
The Committee is seriously concerned at the high level of child malnutrition,
particularly widespread stunting in the Northern and Western Provinces, and lack of
prenatal and neonatal care, resulting in high newborn mortality. The Committee further
notes with concern that the Ministry of Health has not established budgetary lines
specifically for children’s health.
47.
The Committee draws the State party’s attention to its general comment No. 15
(2013) on the right of the child to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of
health, and recommends that the State party:
(a)
Ensure equitable access to health-care services, particularly in rural and
remote areas, by improving health infrastructures, trained staff and supplies and
ensuring accessibility to the health insurance scheme for children living in rural areas
and children in poverty or other vulnerable situations;
(b)
Strengthen efforts to address, as a matter of urgency, the high rates of
child malnutrition, and develop educational programmes, including educational
campaigns to inform parents and families about basic child health and nutrition,
hygiene and environmental sanitation;
(c)
Promote exclusive breastfeeding and the establishment of Baby-Friendly
Hospitals and adopt a Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes with appropriate
controls on the marketing of artificial infant formula;
(d)
Increase the availability and accessibility of emergency obstetric care
and skilled birth attendants at sector and district-level health facilities, and improve
the quality of interventions to prevent newborn child mortality and strengthen
neonatal care in particular. The State party should also establish monitoring
mechanisms in each province and district under the Ministry of Health to monitor the
implementation of various health policies and strategic plans in place;
12