E/C.12/VEN/CO/3 provided by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the application of a human rights-based approach to the implementation of policies and programmes to reduce preventable maternal morbidity and mortality (A/HRC/21/22); (b) Amend its legislation on the prohibition of abortion in order to render it compatible with other fundamental rights, such as women’s right to health, life and dignity; (c) Intensify its efforts to ensure the accessibility, availability and affordability of sexual and reproductive health care, especially in rural areas; (d) Expand and strengthen comprehensive and age-appropriate sexual and reproductive health education for both sexes in primary and secondary curricula. Disease prevention and treatment 29. The Committee is concerned that the number of HIV/AIDS cases in the State party has risen and that there are frequent shortages of antiretroviral drugs. The Committee is also concerned about the increase in the number of cases of malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases (art. 12). The Committee recommends that the State party adopt a national plan to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases, paying due attention to groups at risk. It also urges the State party to take the necessary steps to ensure adequate coverage of antiretroviral drugs and to make them accessible to persons living with HIV/AIDS. The Committee further urges the State party to carry out awareness-raising activities aimed at promoting understanding of the modes of transmission of HIV and tolerance towards persons living with HIV/AIDS, particularly among medical personnel, employers and the general public. Right to education 30. The Committee takes note with satisfaction of the measures adopted by the State party to increase investment in and improve access to education. However, the Committee is concerned at reports regarding the inclusion in school programmes of materials and activities for the purpose of indoctrination that may be incompatible with the full development of the human personality and the sense of its dignity as well as with respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms (art. 13). The Committee recommends that the State party take all the measures needed to ensure that education promotes full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms as well as active participation in a free society, where understanding, tolerance and friendship among nations prevail. Cultural rights and freedom of expression and information 31. The Committee is concerned at the lack of information on the steps taken to prevent limitations on the exercise of the freedom of information and expression, which is a vital component of the right to participate in cultural life, and to benefit from technological and scientific progress (art. 15). The Committee urges the State party to adopt effective measures to remove restrictions on the freedom of expression and information in the State party and to enable all persons under its jurisdiction to take part in cultural life and to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its applications. GE.15-11219 9/10