In response to the country’s request for UN-backed international assistance, the Organization and other partners have launched a Joint Humanitarian Needs and Priority Plan (HNP) relief 1.7 million people hardest hit by the economic crisis.
During the June-September period this year, it aims to address the most pressing needs – with a particular focus on healthcare and essential medicines, food and agriculture, including nutritional services. target, safe drinking water; emergency livelihood; and protect.
Planning support
The humanitarian and development partners in Sri Lanka estimate that nearly 5.7 million citizens need immediate humanitarian assistance, in 25 districts across the country.
The 1.7 million people targeted by the HNP are among those most at risk in terms of livelihoods, food security and access to health services.
The UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, Hanaa Singer-Hamdy, highlighted the urgent need to avert a humanitarian crisis later this year, while also bridging efforts towards needs. longer-term development.
“Sri Lanka’s once-strong healthcare system is now in jeopardy, livelihoods are struggling and the most vulnerable are facing the biggest impact.,” she shown.
The worst crisis
Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since independence in 1948.
Persistent fiscal deficits, substantial tax cuts in 2019 and the devastation of COVID-19 The pandemic has made Sri Lanka’s public debt burden unsustainable, while the collapse of the tourism industry has caused a sharp drop in foreign exchange earnings.
This, combined with the food and energy price shocks earlier this year – aggravated by the Ukraine war – has led to a debt and balance of payments crisis, based on UN humanitarian office, OCHA.
Last month, food inflation stood at 57.4%, while shortages of other key commodities, including fuel for cooking, transportation and industry, remained widespread.
In March, the Government had to declare a daily power cut due to the lack of availability of imported fuel, and surveys showed that around 11% of households reported no income at all, while 62% said that has cut, cut money. available for food.
Now is the time for the international community to show solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka – UN Resident Coordinator
At the same time, the currency has depreciated 80% of its depreciating currency since March, causing foreign exchange reserves to continue to decline, further damaging the economy.
“Now is the time for the international community to show solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka,” said the resident coordinator.
Consequences of paralysis
The economic crisis has taken a severe toll on food security, agriculture, jobs and access to vital health services.
Food production in the previous harvest season was 40 to 50 percent lower than last year, and current shortages of seeds and fertilizers, as well as a lack of credit to food producers, are threatening the cycle. next production.
Prices have risen dramatically since late 2021, forcing families to skip meals, eat less expensive foods or limit portion sizes.
Nearly 22% of the population needs food support.
“Many factors are impacting Sri Lanka’s food security situation, if we don’t act now, many families will not be able to meet their basic food needs,” Singer-Hamdy said. speak.
© WFP
Humanitarian and development partners in Sri Lanka estimate that nearly 5.7 million women, children and men are in need of immediate life-saving assistance.
Medical services are
Hundreds of essential drugs have run out, as well as more than 2,700 surgical items and about 250 different lab essentials.
Meanwhile, power cuts and a shortage of generator fuel have forced many hospitals to postpone routine and non-emergency surgeries.
“The United Nations and its humanitarian partners are calling on donors, the private sector and individuals to urgently support this plan to provide life-saving assistance to affected women, men and children. hardest hit by the crisis and thus prevent a decline in humanitarian need in Ms. Singer-Hamdy said.
Live line is cut
The ongoing crisis has also limited government supportaccording to the World Food Program (WFP).
By suspending national social safety net programs, it left women and children with this vital lifeline.
And the disruption in the school meal program – one of the largest safety nets in the country – limits nutritious meals to 25% of students.
Furthermore, the ‘Thriposha’ nutritional support program for pregnant women and young children was also cut. Along with a loss of income, this can lead to higher rates of malnutrition among women and their children.
Increased support
WFP said on Thursday that it will support the resumption of the Thriposha nutrition program and provide cash assistance to households that are listed on the application or waiting list in the safety net programs. national society – giving priority to children, women and people with disabilities.
The UN agency will also provide food to children participating in the national school meal program, which has had its funding cut due to Government financial constraints.
Meanwhile WFP and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is compiling assessments of crops and food security to help authorities better understand the impact of the economic crisis and help plan appropriate responses.
World Bank / Simone D. McCourtie
Children in Sri Lanka wait for the Mobile Health Clinic at the “Ekamuthu” Kindergarten.
