The Uva Province has been identified as having the highest rate of malnutrition among children under the age of five, a specialist nutritionist has said. Consultant Nutrition Specialist at the Badulla Teaching Hospital, Dr Wasana Marasinghe made the statement while participating in an awareness program conducted at the Hospital, held in conjunction with a walk aimed at promoting the importance of nutrition.

She also highlighted that the region is facing a dual burden of malnutrition, noting that over-nutrition, including unhealthy weight gain, is also increasingly prevalent. Dr Marasinghe attributed both conditions primarily to a lack of public awareness on proper nutrition practices.