JSDF, WB to improve nutrition in the North

The Japan Social Development Fund through the World Bank will support the nutrition improvement in mothers and children in Northern Sri Lanka with a $2.7 million grant (Rs. 300 million) for a period of two years. This will help reduce the compounded effects of the conflict as well as the global food and financial crisis on currently one of the most nutritionally vulnerable populations in the country.

The Northern Province of Sri Lanka has recently emerged from 30 years of civil conflict. Approximately 300,000 people were displaced from the Northern Province, most of whom have been resettled in their original districts and are now in the process of rebuilding their own homes as well as developing their livelihoods. A survey carried out by the Medical Research Institute of the Ministry of Health among the resettled population in 2010 reported that underweight and stunting prevalent among under five year olds is notably higher compared to national figures.

“Adopting the life-cycle approach to nutrition will allow the targeted population to live healthier and fuller lives” said Diarietou Gaye, World Bank Country Director for Sri Lanka. Better nutritional status improves educability of children and productivity of the labour-force, which are critical factors for Sri Lanka’s development and growth.

The project will target specific groups that are most vulnerable to nutrition deficiencies and is expected to benefit the lives of over 125,000 people. Additionally to provide nutritious, supplementary food, the project will also set up women’s groups and train midwives on health, nutrition, hygiene and counselling.

The project will be monitored and managed by the Health Team of the Northern Provincial Council in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Finance Commission and other partners including UNICEF, WFP and WHO.

The World Bank will provide necessary technical input and supervise project implementation and regularly update the Japanese Embassy which is the benefactor of the development trust.