Sri Lanka yet to Meet WHO Standards for Food Quality

Dr. Gammanpila raised concerns about the country’s growing health crisis, citing an alarming rise in Thalassemia and kidney disease cases. He revealed findings from a recent survey conducted among 100 school students aged 15 to 17 in the Anuradhapura district, which showed a Thalassemia prevalence rate of 23.9%.

The Kurunegala district also recorded a concerning prevalence rate of 20.6%, highlighting the severity of the issue. Dr. Gammanpila emphasized the need for comprehensive public health measures to address these problems effectively.

The increasing number of Thalassemia cases is just one part of a broader health crisis, as kidney diseases are also becoming more common. This dual challenge highlights an urgent need for action to prevent further escalation.

Dr. Gammanpila stressed the importance of implementing both preventive measures and effective treatment options to address these growing concerns. He called for a coordinated national effort to tackle these health issues, which may worsen due to the absence of adequate food safety regulations.

The high prevalence of Thalassemia also points to systemic shortcomings, including insufficient genetic screening programs, lack of genetic counseling, and limited public awareness about the condition. These gaps need to be addressed to mitigate the impact of this serious public health issue.

He urged authorities to prioritize food quality testing and implement robust strategies to combat these escalating health challenges.