SCOPP study finds allegations of malnutrition exaggerated

COLOMBO: Statistics pertaining to nutrition levels in Sri Lanka, a country whose resources have been severely taxed by a long drawn out conflict for almost three decades, when compared to other countries beset by conflict and even those free or relatively free of terrorist attacks such as those launched by the LTTE, indicate that the situation is far from alarming, a recent study by the Secretariat for Coordinating the Peace Process (SCOPP) shows.

The SCOPP study maintains that terms such as 'malnutrition' and 'protein deficiency' when used uncritically, and predicated on information that is either inaccurate or incomplete can be dangerous and can compromise the overall efforts of authorities to minimize inconveniences and ensure the maintenance of acceptable health standards.

Irresponsible statements and reportage not only harms Sri Lanka's image in the international arena, but demoralizes individuals and agencies, state and otherwise, working hard to provide goods and services, and implement programmes in potentially vulnerable areas and populations, especially children.

It also discredits other organisations, NGOs and UN agencies,that are sparing no pains to deliver programmes to complement government efforts in the health and nutrition sector, the study warned.

Claims of there being chronic malnutrition in the North and East are inaccurate and remain unsubstantiated by reliable data, the SCOPP study has revealed. The study, based on data available at the Family Health Bureau of the Ministry of Health, and information from the Ministry of Nation Building effectively counters the unsubstantiated claims made by certain NGOs, politicians and even high ranking officials attached to multilateral agencies.

The truth is that there is nothing to warrant descriptions such as 'a looming humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka,' as some have claimed.