E/C.12/BDI/CO/1 (d) Develop and strengthen sexual and reproductive health education for boys and girls at all primary and secondary schools, ensuring that it is comprehensive and age-appropriate. Disease prevention and treatment 55. The Committee is concerned by the increase in the number of cases of HIV/AIDS, especially in rural areas. It is similarly concerned by the lack of appropriate measures to prevent and combat such diseases as malaria and tuberculosis (art. 12). 56. The Committee recommends that the State party adopt a national plan for preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis, giving special attention to groups at risk. It urges the State party to ensure adequate availability of antiretroviral drugs and facilitate access to those drugs for persons with HIV/AIDS, and to conduct information campaigns for medical personnel, employers and the population in general to promote awareness of how HIV is transmitted and greater acceptance of persons living with HIV/AIDS. Education 57. The Committee notes with satisfaction the increase in primary school enrolment, which was the result mainly of the State party’s decision to make education available free of charge. The Committee is concerned, however, by: (a) The reports that there continue to be indirect costs associated with school attendance, such as payments that parents are required to make which limit access to education, in particular for Batwa children; (b) The continued unequal access to education for internally displaced children, children with disabilities and children with albinism; (c) The number of children enrolled in primary education who do not finish their schooling; (d) The high dropout rate in secondary education, in particular among girls (art. 13); (e) The poor quality of instruction owing to the shortage of qualified teachers and the lack of teaching materials and infrastructure. 58. The Committee recommends that the State party take steps to ensure that primary education is indeed provided free of any charge, that it take the necessary steps to ensure access of all children to the education system by encouraging inclusive education for children with disabilities, and that it address as a priority the high dropout rates in primary and secondary education, in particular among girls. It also recommends that the State party improve school quality and infrastructure, in particular in rural areas, and that it ensure that all rural schools have adequate water supply and sanitation, and in particular separate washrooms for boys and girls. Cultural rights of the Batwa 59. The Committee notes with concern the lack of measures to promote cultural diversity and to encourage the dissemination of Batwa culture and traditions (art. 15). 60. The Committee recommends that the State party take the necessary steps to promote awareness of the cultural heritage of the Batwa and to create favourable conditions for the Batwa to protect, develop, express and disseminate their history, culture, traditions and customs. GE.15-18000 9/10