Uva Province Reports Highest Malnutrition Rates Among Children Under Five – Specialist Warns

Uva Province has been identified as the region with the highest prevalence of malnutrition among children under five years of age in Sri Lanka, according to Nutrition Specialist Dr. Wasana Marasinghe of the Badulla Teaching Hospital.

She made these remarks while speaking at an awareness programme held at the Badulla Teaching Hospital on Wednesday (June 10), organized in conjunction with a public awareness march highlighting the importance of nutrition.

Dual Burden of Malnutrition and Obesity

Health officials also warned that, in addition to malnutrition, a significant number of children in the province are also experiencing issues related to excessive weight gain.

Experts noted that this reflects a growing “double burden” of malnutrition, where undernutrition and overnutrition coexist within the same population.

Lack of Awareness Identified as Key Cause

Dr. Marasinghe explained that the primary cause of this situation is the lack of adequate public awareness regarding nutrition and healthy dietary practices.

She emphasized that many families still lack proper knowledge of balanced diets, which directly affects children’s growth and development.

Call for Collective Action

Health professionals stressed the need for stronger nutrition education and awareness campaigns targeting parents and communities.

They further called for coordinated efforts between families, communities, and the healthcare sector to improve the nutritional status of children and ensure healthier future generations.