Declining birth rate & increasing childhood illnesses – a growing social dilemma for Sri Lanka

Declining birth rate and the Growing Concern for Childhood Health

In recent years, Sri Lanka has seen a significant drop in its birth rate—nearly 30%. Declining birth rate was significantly noticed, according to Paediatrician Dr Deepal Perera who shared the concerns with media recently.

Declining birth rate indicates that while in 2013, there were 350,000 births in 2023, there were only 228,000 births registered in Sri Lanka. While mirroring global trends in many developing countries, it is reshaping the nation’s demographic structure and creating ripple effects across society.

At the same time, declining birth rate is a growing concern for children’s health is emerging, with rising rates of obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and hypertension impacting young lives, Dr Perera added. Cancer among children is also common in addition to autism and ADHD. There are also severe mental conditions such as depression that impacts children. “It is no longer just a physical issue but also a mental one” he adds.

These interconnected trends demand urgent attention and action to deal with a declining birth rate.

Why is Sri Lanka’s Birth Rate Falling?

The decision to have smaller families is becoming more common in Sri Lanka, influenced by several factors. Access to better education, especially for women, is empowering individuals to delay marriage and parenthood. Economic challenges, including the rising cost of living, urbanization, and a growing focus on careers, are also leading many couples to limit the number of children they have. Moreover, increased awareness of family planning and modern contraceptive methods has made it easier for families to make informed choices. Declining birth rates are indicating these social changes.

While this shift reflects progress in many ways, it also brings challenges:

1. Aging Population: Fewer births mean a shrinking younger population and a growing elderly demographic. This creates pressure on healthcare systems and places a greater financial and emotional burden on families to care for aging relatives.
2. Economic Impact: A smaller workforce in the future could slow economic growth and leave key industries struggling to meet labor demands.
3. Social Changes: On one hand, smaller families can mean more resources per child, potentially improving education and healthcare outcomes. On the other, it increases the strain on the younger generation to support their families and society as a whole.

Childhood Health: A Growing Concern

While birth rates are declining, a new challenge is emerging—rising childhood obesity and NCDs. These health issues, once considered problems of adulthood, are now affecting children at an alarming rate. Poor eating habits, lack of physical activity, and a shift away from traditional, balanced diets are some of the main reasons behind this trend.

What’s Behind the Rise in Childhood Obesity?

1. Dietary Changes: The availability and convenience of fast food and processed snacks have replaced home-cooked meals in many households. These foods, high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, are contributing to weight gain among children.
2. Inactive Lifestyles: With more screen time and less outdoor play, children are leading increasingly sedentary lives. This reduction in physical activity is a significant factor in the rise of obesity.
3. Lack of Awareness: Many parents are unaware of the long-term health implications of poor dietary and lifestyle choices for their children.

The Long-Term Effects

Obesity in childhood can have serious consequences, both physically and emotionally. Children who are obese are at a higher risk of developing health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular diseases—problems traditionally seen in adults. On the psychological front, obesity can lead to low self-esteem, social anxiety, and even depression, affecting their overall development.

The Path Forward: Tackling These Challenges

Addressing these issues requires a collective effort from families, communities, and policymakers. Here’s how Sri Lanka can navigate these challenges:

1. Raise Awareness: Educational campaigns about the importance of healthy eating and active lifestyles can help parents and children make better choices. Schools and community centers can play a key role in spreading this message.
2. Promote Traditional Diets: Sri Lanka’s traditional meals are naturally rich in nutrients. Encouraging families to return to these wholesome foods can help reduce reliance on processed alternatives.
3. Encourage Physical Activity: Schools should prioritize physical education and extracurricular sports. Communities can create safe spaces for children to play and engage in outdoor activities.
4. Strengthen Healthcare: Regular health check-ups for children, including screenings for obesity and related conditions, can help identify and manage problems early.
5. Support Families: Policymakers can introduce initiatives that support families, such as subsidies for childcare and health education programs, to create a better environment for raising healthy children.
6. Focus on Collaboration: Tackling these issues will require partnerships between schools, healthcare providers, parents, and government agencies.

A Call to Action

Declining birth rate and the rise in childhood health issues are two sides of a complex societal shift. While smaller families and better family planning are signs of progress, they also bring challenges that need thoughtful solutions. At the same time, addressing childhood obesity and NCDs is critical to securing the future health and productivity of the nation.

Investing in awareness, education, and healthcare is crucial for Sri Lanka to address the challenges posed by the declining birth rate and childhood illnesses. By focusing on creating a supportive environment and promoting healthy lifestyles, the country can ensure that every child grows up healthy and every family receives the necessary support. These efforts will not only help Sri Lanka adapt to its changing demographics but also thrive in the face of healthcare challenges and promote the overall well-being of children in the country.

Keywords: Sri Lanka birth rate, declining birth rate, childhood obesity, childhood NCDs, children’s health in Sri Lanka, family planning in Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka demographics, childhood health issues, healthcare challenges in Sri Lanka, healthy lifestyles.