Committee on the Rights of the Child, Recommendation for Chile par. 53 and par. 54 (2007)

Text of the recommendation

53. The Committee welcomes the substantially increased budget allocations in the public expenditure for health through the AUGE system and the attempts that have been made to improve access for low-income families by providing guaranteed medical treatment for several conditions relating specifically to the health of children. The Committee also notes the advances made in reducing infant mortality and the high vaccination rates among children. The Committee however notes that further efforts need to be undertaken in order to ensure access to health services in practice among indigenous peoples, low-income and rural population. Finally, the Committee is concerned about nutritional problems leading to obesity.

54. The Committee recommends that the State party continue and provide further resources for the AUGE health system and enhance the access to medical services in rural areas, among low-income families and indigenous peoples. The Committee recommends that the State party increase and strengthen strategies to promote the use of indigenous traditional medicine. Finally the Committee recommends the State party to take necessary measures to reduce and prevent the incidence of obesity among children.