COLOMBO, Jan 22 : Ninety-one percent of Sri Lankan children have received measles vaccines, a crucial step in combating a recent resurgence of the disease after eradication, Health Minister Ramesh Pathirana said on Monday.
Addressing a press conference at the Presidential Media Center, Pathirana outlined further health priorities for 2024, saying that disease prevention takes center stage, with plans to bolster primary healthcare services and improve efficiency for patients.
The minister said tackling non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remains a major challenge, as over 20 percent of Sri Lankans battle diabetes, and the country has high prevalence of high blood pressure.
Amid a rapidly aging population, Sri Lanka is proactively addressing the rise of non-communicable diseases like memory impairment, eye diseases, and bone diseases through dedicated programs, said Pathirana.
Dengue fever, another pressing concern, is being tackled with special efforts, seeking increased public collaboration alongside support from health and security departments, said Pathirana.
Recognizing the existing drug shortage, the government is actively importing essential medicines, with shortages gradually decreasing, according to the minister. (UNI)
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