NCDs and infectious diseases of poverty represent significant health and economic challenges in Sri Lanka. NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases, account for 81% of total deaths. Infectious diseases, particularly parasitic infections in underserved communities, contribute to micronutrient deficiencies and long-term economic consequences, especially among children and women. 

 

The rise of NCDs is influenced and exacerbated by unhealthy behaviors, cultural practices, and socio-economic barriers, whereas infectious diseases of poverty are influenced by poor sanitation and health-related behaviors. Traditional public health approaches have often failed due to a lack of uptake and sustainability primarily stemming through poor community engagement of interventions in its planning and implementaiton. 

 

Addressing these challenges requires culturally relevant, economically viable, and scalable solutions that actively involve communities in the research, planning, and implementation process. Furthermore, there is a critical need for evidence-based disease prevention models and increased collaboration among key stakeholders, including state healthcare agencies and local communities, to enhance the dissemination and application of research findings in combating these health issues effectively.