CRC/C/15/Add.233 page 10 46. The Committee recommends that the State party ensure adequate adolescent health services as stated in its general comment No. 4 (2003) on adolescent health, implementing in particular programmes on reproductive health, sex education and family planning. The Committee further recommends that the State party implement programmes on mental health. HIV/AIDS 47. While appreciating the efforts made by the State party to provide free access to antiretroviral drugs, the Committee expresses its concern about the increasing incidence of HIV/AIDS in the State party and the high number of children who are infected with HIV. 48. The Committee refers the State party to its general comment No. 3 on HIV/AIDS and the rights of the child (2003) and recommends that it strengthen efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, including through: (a) Preventive programmes; (b) Undertaking a comprehensive study on the prevalence and negative impact of STIs and HIV/AIDS, including the number of children affected; (c) Developing child-sensitive and confidential counselling, care and reintegration facilities that are accessible without parental consent when this is in the best interests of the child; and (d) Seeking technical cooperation from, among others, UNFPA, UNICEF, WHO and UNAIDS. Standard of living 49. The Committee notes with concern the persistent high rate of poverty in the State party, especially in rural areas, and the growing disparities between rich and poor. 50. The Committee recommends that the State party formulate a comprehensive national strategy to reduce poverty, targeting the most disadvantaged regions and groups and ensuring that the needs of all children are met, seeking international cooperation and assistance whenever necessary. 7. Education, leisure and cultural activities 51. While noting the State party’s efforts to improve the educational system and noting with satisfaction the improvements mirrored in education indicators, the Committee remains concerned at the persisting disparities in access to education of vulnerable children, inter alia, children living in rural areas, indigenous children and refugee children, who do not have access to adequate education in terms of their cultural values and identity. The Committee is also concerned at the low level of retention and completion, especially among youth in secondary education. The Committee is concerned as well at the low quality of the infrastructure of the educational process.