Children affected by severe drought in a rural community in the central highlands of Sri Lanka

Severe drought in rural Sri Lanka significantly impacts children's health, with protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) being the most critical issue. A study in Serupitiya, a drought-affected village, found that 12% of school-aged children and 5% of preschoolers suffered from severe acute PEM, with malnutrition increasing significantly with age. Other prevalent health issues included respiratory infections, skin sepsis, poor oral hygiene, and disturbed sleep. Despite these challenges, preventive healthcare strategies effectively prevented PEM and micronutrient deficiencies in under-fives. The study also highlighted increased household stress levels and economic hardships, but noted no mortality among infants or under-fives and a zero drop-out rate for children under 12 years. The research used a community-based cross-sectional approach, including medical examinations, nutritional assessments, and focus group discussions to gather data from 68 households.

Senanayake, M. P., & Jayamanna, M. D. C. J. P. (2014). Children affected by severe drought in a rural community in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 43(1), 23–26. https://doi.org/10.4038/sljch.v43i1.6657