Population of Sri Lanka is approximately 21 million. Sri Lanka has made significant progress in improving nutrition over the years. However, it still faces some challenges in malnutrition.
A major nutrition challenge in Sri Lanka is the high prevalence of under nutrition among children. According to the UNICEF that children under 5 years old are too short due to chronic under nutrition. The issue rely among about 16 percentage. Additionally, around 22 percent of children under five years old are underweight, indicating acute malnutrition. The prevalence of wasting, which is another indicator of acute malnutrition, is relatively low at around 13 percent. However, Northern and Eastern provinces face under nutrition issues.
Another nutrition related issue in Sri Lanka is increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults. According to 2015 national survey, about 26 percentage of adults in Sri Lanka are overweight or obese. This is a significant growth from the previous 2009 survey. The overweight and obesity is higher among women, urban residents as well as with people who have higher education and income.
Malnutrition vs. overweight
The coexistence of under nutrition and overweight/obesity in Sri Lanka is also a growing concern, as it can lead to a double burden of malnutrition. This phenomenon is common in urban areas, where access to high-calorie, and low nutrient foods is easier and more affordable in rural areas. This can lead to a situation where individuals are overweight or obese but still suffer from nutrient deficiencies.
In addition to under nutrition and overweight/obesity, Sri Lanka also faces other nutrition related issues such as micronutrient deficiencies. For example: Iron deficiency anemia is a significant problem among women and young children. About 27 percent of women of reproductive age and 23 percent of children under five years old being affected by deficiency anemia. Vitamin A deficiency is also prevalent among children, and about 18 percent of children under five years old having low serum retinol levels.
Use of Tobacco and alcohol
Tobacco, alcohol, and vaping significantly impact health and nutrition in Sri Lanka. Tobacco use is linked to serious diseases like cancer and heart disease, while excessive alcohol consumption leads to liver problems and nutrient deficiencies. Both tobacco and alcohol can impair the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients, worsening overall health. Vaping, though perceived as less harmful, also poses health risks and could potentially affect nutritional status due to the presence of nicotine and other chemicals. Collectively, these substances contribute to poor health outcomes and exacerbate existing nutritional challenges in Sri Lanka.
Interventions
To face these nutrition challenges, Sri Lanka has implemented various interventions over the years. The government has made efforts to improve access to nutritious foods such as promoting the consumption of locally available fruits and vegetables and implementing school feeding programs. The country has also implemented a fortification program to address micronutrient deficiencies, such as fortifying wheat flour with iron and folic acid and iodizing salt.
Additionally, Sri Lanka has implemented various policies and programs to address overweight and obesity. The country has also launched campaigns to promote physical activity and healthy eating habits such as the "Obesity-Free Sri Lanka" campaign.
Despite these actions, more efforts need to be done to address nutrition related issues in Sri Lanka. A key area that requires attention is improving access to nutritious foods in rural areas. This can be achieved by promoting local food production and distribution as well as improving infrastructure. Also, more efforts need to address the social determinants of malnutrition such as poverty, inequality and lack of education.