CRC/C/BTN/CO/2
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special needs and focus on day care services for these children in
order to prevent their institutionalization;
(b)
Ensure that all children with special needs receive the appropriate
care;
(c)
Support activities of NGOs (including organizations of parents)
and cooperate with them in the process of developing community
based day care services for children with special needs;
(d)
Consider ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities and its Optional Protocol;
(e)
Undertake a survey on the causes and extent of disabilities of
children;
(f)
Seek technical assistance from relevant international organizations
and agencies.
Health and health services
52.
The Committee welcomes the reduction of infant mortality and the measures
the State party has undertaken to expand and improve access to the public health-care
system. It also welcomes that article 9.21 of the Constitution provides for free access
to basic public health services. However, the Committee is concerned about the
number of children who continue to be malnourished and over the lack of trained
health workers and medical practitioners.
53.
The Committee recommends that the State party:
(a)
Continue to make efforts to give free access to health services and
ensure equitable access for the entire population;
(b)
Develop a strategy to combat malnourishment and food insecurity;
(c)
Build national capacities to train health workers and medical
practitioners.
Adolescent Health
54.
The Committee notes the introduction of the Adolescent Reproductive Health
Education and Life Skills Programme in 2002. However, the Committee remains
concerned that further measures are required in order to address adolescent sexual and
reproductive health issues.
55.
The Committee recommends that the State party:
(a)
Take all necessary measures, including by providing information and
education, with respect to adolescent reproductive health and by
making a comprehensive range of contraceptives widely available
and by increasing knowledge about family planning;