Health minister says 91% Sri Lankan children vaccinated against measles

Anjali Sharma
GG News Bureau
NEW YORKN, 24th Jan. Sri Lankan Health Minister Ramesh Pathirana on Tuesday said that 91 per cent of Sri Lankan children have received measles vaccines, a crucial step in tackling resurgence of the disease after eradication.

Pathirana in a press conference at the Presidential Media Centre outlined health priorities for 2024, said that disease prevention takes center stage, with plans to bolster primary healthcare services and improve efficiency for patients.

He said tackling non-communicable diseases remains a major challenge, as more than 20 per cent of Sri Lankans battle diabetes, and the country has high prevalence of high blood pressure, news media reported.

Sri Lanka is proactively addressing the rise of non-communicable diseases like memory impairment, eye diseases and bone diseases through dedicated programmes, Pathirana added.

He said that dengue fever, another pressing concern, is being tackled with special efforts, seeking increased public collaboration alongside support from health and security departments.

Pathirana has recognized the existing drug shortage and the government is actively importing essential medicines, with shortages gradually decreasing.