Rising inflation in Sri Lanka has created a hunger crisis in front of the country. According to the latest report of the World Food Program (WFP), more than 6.2 million people are heading towards starvation. According to the report, 3 out of 10 households in Sri Lanka are facing some form of hunger crisis.
It has been claimed in the report that these people do not even know how their next meal will be arranged. With food items becoming more expensive than necessary, 61 percent of the households are constantly trying to reduce their expenses. Due to which they have to work with less food, due to which there is also a risk of lack of nutrients in them. The World Food Program has expressed concern in its report that pregnant women may suffer the most from nutritional deficiency. Babies born can be surrounded by many diseases.
Anthea Webb, deputy regional director for WFP Asia and Pacific, said expectant mothers need to eat nutritious meals every day, but it is becoming increasingly difficult for poor people to afford the basics. Anthea Webb told a local television station that by skipping meals because of inflation, pregnant women are putting themselves and their babies’ health at risk in a way that will last a lifetime.
To combat the food crisis, WFP is distributing monthly food vouchers, worth $40, to pregnant women in some of the poorest areas, along with an antenatal care scheme provided by the local government.
In the midst of the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, the inflation rate has crossed a record 57 percent. Due to which 2 out of 5 families have been deprived of nutritious food. At the same time, due to the problem of crude oil, the government has closed all schools and government offices till further orders. Due to which the future of the young generation of the country also hangs in the balance. PLC/GT
