According to Health Secretary Dr. Palitha Mahipala, Sri Lanka is grappling with significant health challenges, with 46% of women and 10% of schoolchildren facing obesity. Despite this, there’s a positive trend in life expectancy for women, which has risen from 80 to 83 years in recent years. However, the health landscape is marked by a concerning statistic: 89% of deaths in the country are now attributed to non-communicable diseases such as cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes, highlighting the urgent need for preventive healthcare measures.
Dr. Mahipala highlighted that heart disease and stroke are the primary causes of mortality, with approximately 60,000 individuals suffering from stroke annually, leading to 4,000 deaths. These sobering figures were shared during the launch of a health promotion program aimed at Sri Lankan journalists, underscoring the importance of raising awareness and fostering a healthier lifestyle among the population. The event took place at the premises of the Sri Lanka National Television Corporation, emphasizing the role of media in disseminating vital health information.
The Health Secretary’s remarks shed light on the evolving health challenges facing Sri Lanka, including the prevalence of obesity and the alarming rate of deaths due to non-communicable diseases. The initiative to educate journalists about health promotion reflects a proactive approach to address these issues and empower the public with knowledge to make informed choices regarding their well-being. Dr. Mahipala’s insights serve as a call to action for concerted efforts in public health interventions and disease prevention strategies to improve overall health outcomes in the country.