The Ministry of Health has failed to report progress on 26 out of 42 Sustainable Development Indicators (SDIs) in 2024, the Annual Performance Report – 2024 reviewed by the National Audit Office reveals.
Under SDI 3.2.1, Sri Lanka aims to reduce the under-five mortality rate to seven per 1,000 live births by 2030.
However, by 31 December 2024, the rate remained at 12.2, only marginally improving from 12.5 the previous year.
The neonatal mortality rate, which should be reduced to four per 1,000 live births, increased from 6.5 in 2021 to 7.2 in 2024, indicating a worsening trend in early child health outcomes.
The audit also highlighted declining childhood immunisation coverage, which dropped to 96.7% in 2024 despite a target of achieving 100% by 2030.
Another indicator, 3.3.5.4, tracks the number of leprosy patients seeking treatment, with a national goal of maintaining cases at 1,000 by 2030.
The figure, which stood at a favourable 993 in 2021, rose to 1,580 in 2023 before moderating to 1,350 in 2024 — still well above the threshold.
Meanwhile, Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, President of the Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association of Doctors (MCPA), urged the government to prioritise strengthening primary healthcare, noting that both human resources and infrastructure must be upgraded to meet current and emerging health demands.
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