Kohima, October 24 (DIPR): Global Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) Prevention Day was observed in Northfield School, Kohima on October 21.
Addressing the students, Director, Health & Family Welfare, Dr. John Sweyievisa said that IDD is a global issue and 21st October has been marked to generate awareness and to continue working to prevent iodine deficiency disorder. He explained that iodine deficiency leads to abnormalities known as Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) which includes goitre, mental retardation, growth retardation etc. Also during pregnancy it causes abortion, stillbirth or birth of mentally deficient baby.
He stated that the human body required a daily supply of 150 micrograms of iodine which is to be obtained from the food we consume and advised the students to consume good quality iodised salt. Once iodine deficiency is formed it becomes irreversible, he added.
Nagaland is placed in the sub-Himalayan region and studies have found out that the region is in the iodine deficient zone and therefore encouraged the students to give importance to IDD and also to pass on the message to their family, friends and neighbors.
Programme Officer, NIDDCP, Dr. Akuo Sorhie said that iodine is very important for the human body and that some of our vital organs need a daily dose of iodine for it to function normally. She was stated that 1/3 of the world population are at risk from IDD and IDD was the main reason for mental disorder in the world. Dr. Sorhie explained that the simplest way to avoid IDD is to consume good quality iodised salt. She explained the various disorder caused by lack of iodine and how it affects a person. The only solution to prevent IDD is to maintain the required level of iodine in our body, she explained.
Principal, Northfield School, Jaison Jose said that the purpose of having such programme in the school was to enlighten the students of IDD and thanked the department for providing the opportunity to the students.
The students of Northfield were also took the IDD Prevention Day pledge “IDD-My Concern” and were given a demonstration of salt testing for Iodine contest in salt.
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