Table of Contents
New Research Briefing Highlights Nutrition Crisis for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women in Sri Lanka
Introduction
Amidst the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka, pregnant and breastfeeding women are facing severe challenges in accessing adequate nutrition, according to a new research briefing by Amnesty International. The briefing titled “Foregoing Meals to Make-Do” sheds light on the impact of the economic crisis on the nutritional well-being of pregnant and breastfeeding women, especially those living below the poverty line in Colombo.
The Impact of the Economic Crisis
The economic crisis in Sri Lanka has had devastating consequences on the health and well-being of pregnant and breastfeeding women. Falling incomes, loss of livelihoods, and inflation have significantly reduced these women’s purchasing power. Furthermore, government-funded programs aimed at improving maternal nutrition have also been undermined by the crisis.
Amnesty International conducted interviews with healthcare workers, members of civil society, and pregnant and breastfeeding women living in informal settlements and tenement blocks in Colombo. The research revealed that these women are unable to afford food, face inconsistent availability of “Thriposha” food supplements, and are unable to redeem food vouchers offered through government programs.
The Struggle for Adequate Nutrition
Pregnant and breastfeeding women reported that they prioritize filling their stomachs over consuming the recommended daily amount of necessary nutrients due to the high cost of food. Many women have resorted to reducing portion sizes and limiting their meals to two per day, with some even skipping lunch and replacing it with a biscuit and tea.
As a result of financial constraints, the consumption of essential food items such as meat, vegetables, fruit, and milk has drastically diminished in most households. This deprivation increases the risk of nutrient deficiencies, which can have long-term implications for the development of the fetus. Families that previously had access to meat or fish on a weekly basis now consume them only once a month or when they can afford it.
Unemployment and Lack of Government Support
The majority of pregnant and breastfeeding women interviewed by Amnesty International reported being unemployed, while their husbands also lacked a regular income due to the economic crisis. In February 2023, these women stated that government-issued food vouchers, typically provided to pregnant and breastfeeding women, were unable to be redeemed due to a lack of state funds.
Amnesty International reached out to the Ministry of Women, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Public Administration to address these concerns but received no response at the time of publication. This silence from the government raises questions about its commitment to fulfilling its international human rights obligations.
Impact on Public Health System
The economic crisis has not only affected individuals but has also had dire consequences for Sri Lanka’s public health system. Shortages of medicine and equipment have forced health workers providing maternal care to stop, delay, or postpone non-essential surgeries and procedures. The uncertainty surrounding future supplies has resulted in rationing drugs for emergency cases, adding to the suffering of patients.
Amnesty International found that health workers have resorted to reusing equipment or instructing patients to purchase medicine and equipment from private pharmacies due to the depletion of supplies in state-run hospitals. However, most medicines in private pharmacies remain unaffordable for the majority of the population due to price hikes and the devaluation of the Sri Lankan Rupee.
Urgent Need for Action
Sri Lanka has ratified several international accords, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), which require the country to ensure adequate healthcare and food access for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Amnesty International calls on the Government of Sri Lanka to fulfill its international human rights obligations by urgently addressing this nutrition crisis. Access to adequate, affordable, and good quality nutrition must be ensured for pregnant and breastfeeding women. The international community also has a role to play in supporting the government‘s efforts in securing food and nutrition for these vulnerable populations.
Long-Term Consequences
The prolonged food insecurity and inadequate nutrition experienced by pregnant and breastfeeding women can have serious long-term consequences for both mothers and their children. If left unaddressed, this crisis can perpetuate a cycle of poor health and hinder the overall development of future generations.
Conclusion
The economic crisis in Sri Lanka has exacerbated the challenges faced by pregnant and breastfeeding women in accessing adequate nutrition. It is imperative for the government to prioritize the well-being of these women and take immediate action to address the issue. The international community must also step up its efforts to support Sri Lanka in providing the necessary resources to ensure the nutritional needs of these vulnerable populations are met. Failure to do so would not only violate their basic human rights but also perpetuate a cycle of poverty and inequality.
<< photo by Brooke Lark >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
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