CRC/C/TKM/CO/1
page 13
(e)
Adequately implement the National Programme on HIV/STI Prevention in
Turkmenistan (2005-2010), including with the necessary funding; and
(f)
Seek further technical assistance from, inter alia, the United Nations Joint
Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and UNICEF.
Adolescent health
55.
The Committee, while noting the measures taken by the State party in this respect, is
concerned at the increasing practice of illicit use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
among adolescents. It further notes the scarce information with respect to mental and
reproductive health services available in the State party.
56.
The Committee recommends that the State party, taking into account its general
comment No. 4 on adolescent health and development (2003):
(a)
Undertake a study on adolescent health with a view to developing a
comprehensive adolescent health policy addressing in particular drug addiction;
(b)
Provide adequate mental health services to children addicted to illegal drugs,
including medical rehabilitation centres, other appropriate structures and support services
to families;
(c)
Develop health promotion programmes for adolescents and pay particular
attention to adequate updated treatment of adolescents with mental problems and seek
assistance in this respect from, among others, WHO;
(d)
Train teachers, social workers and others working with children on how to
address drug abuse and other adolescent health issues in a manner that is child-sensitive;
and
(e)
Provide information in its next periodic report on mental and reproductive
health services available to adolescents.
Standard of living
57.
The Committee notes the information that, since 1993, the Government has provided its
citizens with free gas, electricity, water and table salt, and that this free provision has been
extended until 2020. However, the Committee is concerned that, partly due to an unequal
distribution of wealth in the country, a considerable number of families live at the edge of
poverty and that only 55 per cent of the population has access to safe drinking water, while in
rural areas the number decreases to 24 per cent.
58.
The Committee recommends that the State party:
(a)
Take the necessary measures to develop an effective policy for the reduction
of poverty, including by reducing inequalities in the distribution of wealth;
(b)
Provide support and material assistance to economically disadvantaged
families; and