IPS Policy Dialogue highlights strategies to address NCD risk factors and malnutrition in Sri Lanka

Continued from yesterday

A political economy analysis of the food environment further underscored the rising prevalence of NCDs and the triple burden of malnutrition in Sri Lanka. The study highlighted the significant role of the food environment in addressing these challenges and provided recommendations for policy development. These recommendations included prioritising NCDs and nutrition, ensuring comprehensive policy coverage, fostering stakeholder participation, and addressing technical and legal considerations. Further, a presentation based on findings from a case study on the impact of the food environment on NCD risk factors in underserved settlements in Colombo discussed issues related to COVID-19, inflation, and compromised food choices. The study pointed out declining cooked food sales, compromised meals due to rising prices, reduced purchasing power, affordability concerns, unregulated prices, and unhealthy food choices. The participants highlighted the need for more nuanced policies targeting the food environment in urban underserved settlements.

The discussions during the event underscored the urgency of tackling NCDs and malnutrition, considering their far-reaching implications. The focus was on enhancing Sri Lanka’s food environment through fiscal and regulatory policies, along with targeted interventions to reduce the prevalence of NCDs.

Panel discussions led by Dr Nisha Arunatilake, Director of Research, IPS and Dr Renuka Jayatissa, Head of the Nutrition Department, Medical Research Institute further explored fiscal and regulatory policies for improving the food environment and effective strategies for enhancing household diets. Engaging discussions with the audience further enriched the dialogue, encouraging collaborative efforts and knowledge sharing.

The IPS Policy Dialogue reinforced the need for comprehensive policies, stakeholder engagement, and awareness campaigns to create a supportive food environment and promote healthier dietary choices. By implementing evidence-based fiscal and regulatory interventions, Sri Lanka can effectively combat NCDs and malnutrition, leading to improved public health outcomes and sustainable national development.