Countries across South Asia are experiencing a triple burden of malnutrition among children and adolescents, in which undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies persist alongside rapidly rising rates of overweight and obesity. In Sri Lanka, one in four children aged 5–17 years were underweight for their age in 2022. At the same time, around 7 per cent of children aged 5–9 years and 12 per cent of adolescents aged 10–17 years were affected by overweight or obesity, representing a rapid rise in prevalence since 2017.
Schools play a crucial role in shaping children’s health and nutrition and are an important entry point for delivering a comprehensive package of nutrition interventions. By reaching children during their formative years, schools offer a unique opportunity to promote healthy eating habits, address all forms of malnutrition and reduce health inequities.
The Government of Sri Lanka, in partnership with UNICEF and other stakeholders, committed to a comprehensive assessment of school nutrition across the country. Key indicators from this assessment have been integrated into annual monitoring systems, with the findings intended to inform stronger school nutrition policies and practices. Lessons learnt from Sri Lanka’s experience can be used to inform school nutrition efforts in other countries across South Asia.
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UNICEF strives to uphold the rights of every child, protecting them from harm and all forms of discrimination, so that they can grow up healthy and educated to reach their full potential. This work is in line with UNICEF’s globally recognized mandate and its support of national priorities.
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