Sri Lanka Health Round-up: 06 October 2025
Sri Lanka Health Round-up: 06 October 2025
This week, we focus on mental health awareness and ongoing health initiatives.
This Week’s Top Update
This week marks World Suicide Prevention Day, a significant occasion to raise awareness about mental health issues in Sri Lanka. The emphasis is on changing the narrative surrounding suicide, promoting open discussions, and encouraging individuals to seek help. Mental health remains a critical area of focus, and efforts are being made to reduce stigma and provide support for those in need [1].
In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting Sri Lanka in assessing the burden of influenza. This initiative aims to better understand the impact of influenza on public health, which is essential for planning effective responses and interventions [2].
Surveillance Snapshot
- Increased awareness and discussions around mental health following World Suicide Prevention Day.
- Preparations underway for assessing influenza burden in the country.
- Ongoing initiatives to promote breastfeeding as part of maternal and child health strategies.
- Continued focus on reducing tobacco use as part of public health campaigns.
- Efforts to strengthen human resources for health in the region are ongoing.
Practical Tip of the Week
As we transition into the rainy season, it’s essential to maintain good mental health. Engage in activities that promote well-being, such as spending time outdoors when possible, practicing mindfulness, and connecting with friends and family. Incorporating local foods rich in nutrients, such as fruits and vegetables, can also support overall health during this time.
Myth-buster
Myth: Talking about suicide will encourage it.
Fact: Open discussions about suicide can help reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek help, ultimately saving lives.
What to Watch Next Week
- Updates on the influenza burden assessment and its implications for public health.
- Continued discussions on mental health initiatives and support systems.
සිංහල සාරාංශය (Sinhala Summary)
මෙම සතියේ, මානසික සෞඛ්යය පිළිබඳ අවධානයක් යොමු කරමින් ලෝක ආතතිය වැළැක්වීමේ දිනය සමරයි. එමෙන්ම, ශ්රී ලංකාවේ ඉන්ෆ්ලුවෙන්සා බරය ඇස්තමේන්තු කිරීම සඳහා WHO සහය ලබා දේ.
தமிழ் சுருக்கம் (Tamil Summary)
இந்த வாரம், உலக தற்கொலை தடுப்பு நாளை கொண்டாடி மனநலம் குறித்த விழிப்புணர்வை ஏற்படுத்துகிறது. மேலும், இலங்கையில் இன்ஃப்ளூயென்சாவின் பாதிப்பை மதிப்பீடு செய்ய WHO ஆதரவு அளிக்கிறது.
Sources
- https://www.who.int/srilanka/news/detail/10-09-2025-world-suicide-prevention-day-2025–changing-the-narrative-on-suicide-in-sri-lanka
- https://www.who.int/srilanka/news/detail/29-08-2025-who-supports-sri-lanka-to-outline-the-plan-for-estimating-the-influenza-burden-of-disease-through-a-feasibility-assessment
Information here is for general awareness only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.