Sri Lanka is facing a severe public health challenge as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) now account for approximately 80 percent of all deaths nationwide, according to the Health Secretary. The revelation underscores a growing health crisis that threatens both the population’s longevity and the nation’s healthcare infrastructure.
Key Highlights
- Non-communicable diseases contribute to 80% of total mortality in Sri Lanka.
- Primary causes include cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases.
- Health officials emphasize an urgent need for lifestyle modifications and early medical screening.
Addressing the alarming statistics, health authorities highlighted that chronic conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes are increasingly impacting working-age individuals. Factors such as poor dietary habits, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and elevated stress levels are recognized as major contributors to the high prevalence of these diseases.
In response, the Ministry of Health is working to reinforce primary healthcare facilities, enhance community-level preventive care, and promote nationwide public awareness campaigns encouraging healthier living and routine health checkups.