Over one-fifth of Sri Lankan children suffer from malnutrition, Health Ministry warns

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By Editor_1
A girl dines at a community kitchen in Weerapura, Sri Lanka, in September 2022. More than one in five Sri Lankan children are affected by malnutrition, with many at risk of developing obesity later in life, Health Ministry Secretary Dr Anil Jasinghe has warned –Handout/ChildFund International/File

COLOMBO – More than one in five Sri Lankan children are affected by malnutrition, with many at risk of developing obesity later in life, Health Ministry Secretary Dr Anil Jasinghe has warned.

Speaking at a media briefing held at the Health Promotion Bureau to mark National Nutrition Month, Dr Jasinghe highlighted the country’s continuing nutritional challenges, despite progress in several health indicators.

Citing recent national survey data, he said 10.1% of children suffer from stunting while 16.1% are underweight. Although the prevalence of overweight children remains relatively low at 0.5%, the overall burden of malnutrition remains a significant public health concern.

“These figures indicate that more than one-fifth of our children are affected by malnutrition,” Dr Jasinghe said, warning that children who experience malnutrition during their early years are also at greater risk of becoming overweight or obese during adolescence and adulthood.

He noted that poor nutrition in childhood can have long-term consequences, including impaired physical growth, reduced cognitive development and an increased vulnerability to chronic non-communicable diseases later in life.

Dr Jasinghe also expressed concern over rising obesity levels among adults, describing it as an emerging public health challenge.

According to Health Ministry data, obesity currently affects approximately 47% of women and 30% of men in Sri Lanka. He warned that unhealthy dietary habits and lifestyle factors could further worsen the country’s burden of nutrition-related diseases if preventive measures are not strengthened.

The Health Ministry is using National Nutrition Month to promote healthier eating habits, improve awareness of balanced diets and encourage early interventions to address both undernutrition and obesity.

-ENCL

Editor_1
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