The undernutrition crisis among children in Sri Lanka has taken a concerning turn. According to a government report and data from the health ministry, the number of children grappling with various forms of undernutrition increased for the first time in at least six years in 2022. In this post, we summarize the information originally provided by Reuters here.
Sri Lanka, an island nation of 22 million people, has been facing a severe economic crisis, leading to soaring prices, especially in food. The economic turmoil is considered the worst since the country gained independence in 1948, resulting in widespread hardships for the population.
The government report, released in October 2022, revealed that more than 43.4% of children under the age of 5 in the country are suffering from nutrition problems, with 42.9% experiencing some form of undernutrition. This alarming data is further supported by information available on the website of the health ministry's Family Health Bureau, indicating that the percentage of children below five who are underweight, stunted, or wasting increased in 2022, after experiencing a steady decline since at least 2016.
These statistics are a cause for concern, and it is crucial for both the government and international organizations to address this growing issue, as child undernutrition can have long-lasting and devastating effects on a nation's future. Immediate and effective interventions are required to combat this crisis and ensure a healthier and more prosperous future for Sri Lanka's children.
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