FAO and New Zealand team up to combat child malnutrition in Sri Lanka

 Five selected MOH divisions in Monaragala and Nuwara Eliya will receive fresh attention to help tackle malnutrition, with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) gearing up to roll out a comprehensive programme with funding from New Zealand. 

The initiative targets moderate to severe malnutrition among children from 2,250 families and focuses on increasing access to nutritious produce and providing capacity-building opportunities for caregivers on preparing affordable and nourishing meals using locally grown ingredients. 

“We firmly believe that every child deserves access to nutritious food and the opportunity to thrive. By addressing malnutrition, we are investing in a brighter and healthier future for Sri Lanka. Together, with the FAO and other partners, we will continue working towards ensuring the wellbeing and development of the next generation,” said New Zealand High Commissioner Michael Appleton. 

According to FAO Representative to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Vimlendra Sharan, the programme paves the way for ensuring that vulnerable children in Sri Lanka have access to nutritious food and the opportunity to reach their full potential. 

Through the programme, the FAO will make available a nutritional supplement—a flour mix made from locally available grains and legumes—to immediately address the malnourished state of the children. 

Furthermore, caregivers would be equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to prepare the nutritious flour mix within their communities, ensuring continued support beyond the project implementation period. 

To promote long-term sustainability, caregivers also received plants and seeds to establish nutritious home gardens. Additionally, they are trained in preparing wholesome ‘one-dish’ meals using locally sourced fruits and vegetables, reducing household food costs while improving access to nutrient-rich meals.

“The impacts of malnutrition are far-reaching and devastating. Thanks to the invaluable funding from the government of New Zealand, we are able to prioritise our efforts and make significant strides toward combating malnutrition. This programme paves the way for ensuring that vulnerable children in Sri Lanka have access to nutritious food and the opportunity to reach their full potential,” emphasised Sharan. 

The partnership between FAO Sri Lanka and the government of New Zealand comes at a critical time. A study conducted in 2022 by the Family Health Bureau of Sri Lanka revealed that 42.9 percent of children under five years old in the country are experiencing various forms of malnutrition, including growth faltering, underweight, wasting and stunting.