Malnutrition is still a major health problem in Sri Lanka. Recent achievements of the health sector include: reduced fertility rates, decreased incidence of maternal and infant mortality, and improved educational accomplishments in women particularly. Nevertheless, malnutrition remains a challenge.

The most recent Demographic and Health Survey 2006/7 (DHS 2006/7) showed that 22 percent of Sri Lankan children below five years of age are underweight, 18 percent being too short (stunted), and 15 percent too thin (wasted) as measured by weight for height.

Insufficient weight gain by the mother during pregnancy and low pre-pregnancy weight significantly contribute to low birth weight, usually due to slow intrauterine growth or premature birth.

HEARTH is a two year project working in partnership with the Ministry of Health in Ampara District, Eastern Province, targeting mothers and small children in the Pottuvil Division. These families were directly or indirectly affected by the tsunami and are currently affected by the political instability of the country. This project will directly benefit about 300 mothers and 300 infants, and about 1500 will be benefited indirectly.

The main approach of HEARTH project is based on Positive Deviance, a methodology which emphasizes sustainable community mobilization techniques and valuable local knowledge and resources, rather than just provision of external materials. HEARTH project consists of 12 sessions where mothers learn the principles for healthy habits and good nutrition based on local knowledge and practices. The sessions include a background of the project, its contents, a market survey, the training of volunteer mothers, organizing feeding centers, weighing of children and preparation of foods. This is followed by home visits to the caregivers by volunteers to monitor progress.

As part of the program, women are trained on the value of prioritizing the use of home gardening to feed their families. Gardening is a common practice in Sri Lanka and the program aims to challenge the perception that home gardens are only for making profit by demonstrating the nutritional value found in a home garden.

To learn more about HEARTH please contact ADRA Sri Lanka at info@adrasrilanka.org.