Maternal and Adult Mortality in Sri Lanka

In spite of relatively low per capita income c(US $ 935 in 2003), Sri Lanka has made considerable progress in reducing maternal and adult mortality. Its social development policies, particularly in health and education, have no doubt contributed to its success story. There is, however, no room for complacency as further reductions in maternal and adult mortality are possible. Elimination of unsafe abortions by preventing unwanted pregnancies through increased access to affordable and relatively good quality contraceptive services would go a long way in further reducing maternal mortality. Another intervention that would have an impact on adult and maternal mortality in the future is the improvement of maternal nutrition.