80% of children at Walsapugala malnourished

By Dileep N. Jayasekera

A survey has revealed that 80% of children in a village in Suriyawewa are malnourished says Chairman of the Professional Forum of Physicians on Medical and Civil Rights, Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa.

“A similar situation prevails in most parts of the Hambantota District. Health administrators must visit rural areas, conduct studies and find solutions to the problems of the people. If immediate steps are not taken our children will be in serious trouble,” he said.

Dr. Sanjeewa added that they conducted a research in Walsapugala, Suriyawewa, and that the area had a substantial population. Given that the particular village was a good representation of the Hambantota district, one could assume that a similar situation prevails in all districts, he said.

“Things have really deteriorated during the last six months. Parents say that they only have work twice or thrice a week. They can barely afford to pay for electricity. Once they pay their bills, they can only buy rice, coconut and the most basic food items. They can’t afford eggs, meat or fish,” he said.

Dr. Sanjeewa said that they had examined health records and found 30% of the children were malnourished. Another 50% were undernourished.

“If things go on like this, the other 20%, too, will become undernourished. Most families have three children each and all of them are malnourished or undernourished. Health Centres have launched a programme to enhance child nutrition but most people can’t afford to visit those place. It is high time health officials went to the people. Most schools in Hambantota have stopped the morning assembly because a large number of students faint.

“Some teachers have started food banks at schools. They bring extra food from home and give it to children. But this is not a sustainable project,” Dr. Sanjeewa said.