E/C.12/RUS/CO/6 programmes, such as the distribution of syringes, and about the prohibition of opioid substitution therapy. Furthermore, the Committee is concerned at the spread of HIV, and the prevalence of hepatitis C and tuberculosis in the State party, especially among drug users (art. 12). 51. The Committee reiterates its previous recommendation to apply a human rights-based approach to drug users (see E/C.12/RUS/CO/5, para. 29). In particular, the Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Adopt a comprehensive policy to combat drug problems, including fighting against drug trafficking, and consider decriminalizing drug possession for personal consumption; (b) Conduct awareness-raising programmes about the serious health risks associated with drug use; (c) Address discrimination against drug-dependent persons, including with regard to their access to health-care services; (d) Provide appropriate health care, psychological support services and rehabilitation to such persons, in particular by legalizing effective drug dependence treatment, such as opioid substitution therapy; (e) Adopt harm reduction programmes, such as needle and syringe exchanges, while ensuring their coverage, particularly in prisons with a view to combating the spread of tuberculosis, and support non-governmental organizations that provide such services, as indicated during the dialogue; (f) Address more effectively the underlying causes for the rapid increase in HIV/AIDS and the prevalence of tuberculosis and hepatitis C, including by legalizing measures, as recommended by the World Health Organization, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, for HIV prevention among injecting drug users, and by increasing the coverage and availability of medication and medical treatment, such as anti-retroviral therapy; (g) Take into account the Committee’s general comment No. 14 (2000) on the right to the highest attainable standard of health. Access to health-care services 52. The Committee is concerned that sex workers face obstacles in accessing health-care services owing to the criminalization of sex work, and are vulnerable to police violence, increased occupational risks, and HIV infection, among other diseases (art. 12). 53. The Committee recommends that the State party consider decriminalizing sex workers, and ensure that they can fully access health-care services and information, including treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS, without discrimination. The Committee also recommends that the State party take all necessary measures to punish and prevent police violence against, and exploitation of, sex workers and fight trafficking and traffickers who exploit sex workers. Reproductive and sexual health services 54. The Committee is concerned that abortion is still used as a de facto contraceptive measure, especially in rural areas and among women living in poverty. The Committee is also concerned about the lack of comprehensive age-appropriate education on sexual and reproductive health in school curricula (art. 12). 55. The Committee recommends that the State party ensure the accessibility, affordability and availability of sexual and reproductive health services, including modern contraceptives, for all, especially in rural areas and for persons on low incomes. The Committee also recommends that the State party incorporate into the school curricula, comprehensive, non-discriminatory, evidence-based, scientifically accurate and age-appropriate education about sexual and reproductive health. The 9