Health experts have raised concern over an evolving nutritional challenge in Uva Province, identifying the region as recording the highest rate of malnutrition among children under the age of five in Sri Lanka.
The warning was issued by Consultant Nutrition Specialist Dr. Wasana Marasinghe of the Badulla Teaching Hospital during an awareness programme held at the hospital in conjunction with a public walk organised to highlight the importance of nutrition.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Marasinghe noted that the issue extends beyond undernutrition alone. She explained that the province is increasingly experiencing a dual burden of malnutrition, where cases of unhealthy weight gain and overnutrition are emerging alongside traditional concerns linked to inadequate nutrition.
According to the specialist, both trends point to a common underlying issue — insufficient public awareness regarding healthy and appropriate nutrition practices.
The awareness programme focused attention on the importance of informed dietary habits and early intervention, particularly during childhood, where nutrition plays a critical role in growth and long-term wellbeing.
Health officials participating in the initiative emphasized that improving public understanding of nutrition remains an important step in addressing both forms of malnutrition affecting young children in the region.
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