F. Basic Heath and Welfare 19. The Committee appreciates and welcomes the strategies and programs put in place to improve Child and maternal health in many spheres. However the Committee notes with concern the drop in budget allocated to the health sector. The Committee is also very concerned about the limited increase on the breastfeeding rate in Cameroon. The Committee further notes with concern the increase rate of malnutrition in the country and infant and maternal mortality rate, the continuing unavailability of safe drinking water, inadequate sanitation facilities mostly in rural areas, as well as the inadequacy of health-care facilities and qualified health personnel. In light of the above, the Committee urges the State Party to;  Put in place a mechanism to boost the health situation of children and pregnant women in the country by providing preventive measures in order to reduce infant and child mortality in the country.  To increase its budget allocation for health care services  Set in place measures to increase access to safe drinking water and improve sanitation  To Improve the health-care infrastructure, recruit and train more health workers.  Draw up a strategic plan to fight against viral hepatitis;  Provide free treatment for hepatitis B and C;  Administer free vaccine against hepatitis B and C;  Provide care to children highly addicted to narcotics and alcohol;  Apply legislative and regulatory measures prohibiting the sale and consumption of narcotics and alcohol to children.  Adopt laws protecting persons affected and infected by HIV;  Lead studies into the phenomena of Orphans infected by HIV. G. Education, leisure and cultural activities The right to education 20. The Committee acknowledges the State Party’s efforts to improve the supply and access to quality education creating new schools and programs in schools for both primary and secondary schools. Nonetheless, the Committee notes with concern the increase in the number of school drop-outs, the limited aid and assistance given to students with visual or hearing difficulties as well as the limited number of qualified personnel. In this regard, the Committee recommends to the State Party to: