GMOA presents a five-pronged approach to combat malnutrition

The Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) says that if the current situation is not addressed properly and promptly, the existing nutritional problems to some extent could escalate into a generation of malnourished future generations.

The UNICEF said in a statement that Sri Lanka was ranked seventh in the world in terms of child malnutrition and second in the South Asian region.

The Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) has said that a total of more than 1.7 million children are at risk of becoming malnourished due to malnutrition.

The Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) has put forward the following five proposals to manage the current situation to some extent, minimize the impact of malnutrition and ensure that future generations do not fall prey to malnutrition.

1. Conduct a scientifically based follow-up on the current situation and assess the island-wide infant malnutrition status and the actual risk of malnutrition thereby.

2. It is necessary to give a real understanding of the myths about food and to make people aware of how to ensure a quality meal through alternative foods. Basic concepts of a nutritious diet should be given to the people.

3. The already active incentive program on home gardening and animal husbandry (including fisheries) should be expanded and published to an expeditious national program.

4. People should be made aware of a diet rich in quality protein sources (eg meat / fish / milk / eggs / dried) and a relief program should be formulated specifically for low income families. Funds for this should be allocated through the forthcoming interim budget.

5. Pregnant mothers and girls should intervene to break the vicious cycle of malnutrition through a specially targeted nutrition enhancement program.