Food Insecurity
Sri Lanka is a low and middle income country that has achieved 70% of Universal Health Coverage. This is due to prudent political will of governments which has prompted a paradigm shift from communicable to noncommunicable diseases.
Though low birth weight has reduced from over 22% to 15%, Diabetes, the mother illness of NCDS, affects 1 in 4 persons in a 21 million population.
Nutrition is governed by education, availability and cost. Individual preferences and practices of diet quality, quantity and timing play a crucial role. However, we have the “double burden” of malnutrition i.e. under nutrition in the womb which shifts to overweight and obesity in childhood to adult life and second being the “hidden hunger” which is deficiency of micronutrients which is asymptomatic. Latest research shows that there is a 27% risk reduction of diabetes if we eat high bran red rice. Quantity consumed should be moderated to satisfy the need and not the greed; timing well spaced to curtail overeating due to hunger.
The nutrition and nurturing of the “girl child” from preconception to later life should be highlighted to counteract cultural and social beliefs especially in Low and Middle income countries. In addition to adequate nutrition, early marriage and child birth should be avoided.
Food insecurity ie - uncertainty of the next meal causes stress, anxiety and depression. Stress is understated supposedly due to lack of evidence.
Psychosocial problems of modern society may lead to addictions such as alcohol, tobacco, substance abuse and the latest fad, digital gaming. This in turn may lead to depression and premature death due to suicide. Though rates of suicide in our country have reduced due to a preventive action of restricted availability of insecticide, we are still in the highest group globally.
Physical inactivity is a by-product of modern lifestyles which once again adds to this vicious cycle.
Profit governs all industry. Harvest and farmed food are laced with pesticides and chemicals to obtain a bountiful and quick growth to maximize profits. On the other hand, nutritious, organic fresh foods is expensive and not easily accessible. Thus, the vulnerable majority have no option but to choose less costly, calorie dense food, low in nutrients which contains toxins that are detrimental to our health.
Access to safe water and clean air is becoming a luxury with climate change looming in the horizon. Preventive measures are pushed back by lobbyists with vested interest. Starvation, migration, environmental hazards and man-made wars also contribute to this trajectory.
Only persons living with NCDS, caregivers and families know the pain and burden and expense endured in managing these non communicable diseases. Access to safe nutritious food, air and water is a human right vital for health and wellbeing of all at all ages. We have had Enough! Enough as it is our Right and we want it Right now!