Human Lives Human Rights: The economic crisis in Sri Lanka has had a significant effect on the ability of pregnant and breastfeeding women to access proper nutrition. This impact is particularly noticeable among women living below the poverty line. The crisis has resulted in lower incomes, job losses, and increased inflation, all of which have reduced the purchasing power of these women. Additionally, government-funded programs that were designed to improve maternal nutrition have also been affected by the crisis.
As a result of the severe economic crisis in Sri Lanka, the focus on health and nutrition has been significantly diminished. This has had a detrimental effect on the health and overall well-being of pregnant and breastfeeding women. These individuals have been particularly affected by the crisis, as the poverty rates have doubled within a year. The situation is concerning and requires urgent attention to address the negative impact on the health and nutrition of these vulnerable women.
There are growing concerns regarding the affordability of food, the inconsistent availability of ‘Thriposha’ food supplements, and the challenges faced in redeeming food vouchers provided through government programs. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are prioritizing filling their stomachs rather than consuming the recommended daily intake of a variety of nutrients due to the high cost of food.
To ensure they have three meals a day, many women are opting to reduce portion sizes, while some are even reducing their number of daily meals to just two. This situation highlights the struggle these women face in accessing adequate nutrition during this economic crisis.
The economic crisis has led to a significant reduction in the consumption of meat, vegetables, fruits, and milk in almost all households. This deprivation increases the risk of nutrient deficiencies, which can have a negative impact on the development of the fetus. Previously, families would consume meat or fish on a weekly basis, but now they can only afford to do so once a month or when they have some extra money.
Many families are unable to afford milk-inducing foods. Additionally, most pregnant and breastfeeding women are unemployed, and their husbands do not have a stable source of income due to the economic crisis. This situation highlights the dire circumstances faced by these women and the potential consequences for their health and the health of their babies.
At the same time, pregnant and breastfeeding women have been unable to redeem government food vouchers due to a lack of state funds. The public health system in Sri Lanka has also been impacted by shortages of medicine and equipment. Health workers who provide maternal care have reported having to halt, delay, or reschedule non-essential surgeries and procedures.
They are also forced to ration drugs for emergency cases due to the uncertainty of future supplies. These challenges further exacerbate the difficulties faced by pregnant and breastfeeding women in accessing necessary healthcare and support during this crisis.
In the meantime, the prices of medicines in private pharmacies have become unaffordable for many individuals due to price hikes and the devaluation of the Sri Lankan Rupee. Sri Lanka has ratified various international agreements that oblige the country to ensure that pregnant and breastfeeding women have access to sufficient healthcare and food.
These agreements include the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). These commitments highlight the importance of providing necessary support and resources to pregnant and breastfeeding women during this challenging time.
If prolonged food insecurity and insufficient nutrition are not addressed, they can have severe long-term consequences for both mothers and their children. It is crucial for the Government of Sri Lanka to promptly fulfill its international human rights obligations, which include ensuring that pregnant and breastfeeding women have access to sufficient, affordable, and high-quality nutrition.
The international community also has a role to play in supporting the government to ensure that pregnant and breastfeeding women can access the necessary resources and support to meet their nutritional needs. By working together, we can help mitigate the impact of the crisis on the health and well-being of these vulnerable women and their children.
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