Dimapur, October 21 (MExN): Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) Prevention Day was observed in different parts of Nagaland on October 21.
At Northfield School in Kohima, Director, Health & Family Welfare, Dr. John Sweyievisa said that IDD is a global issue and October 21 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 leads to abortion, stillbirth or birth of mentally deficient baby.
Pointing out that the human body requires a daily supply of 150 micrograms of iodine which is to be obtained from the food one consumes, he 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 that the region is in the iodine deficient zone; therefore, he encouraged the students to give importance to IDD and also to pass on the message to their family, friends, and neighbours.
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 stated that 1/3 of the world population suffer from IDD and it is the main reason for mental disorder in the world. Dr. Akuo further 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 on IDD and thanked the department for providing the opportunity to the students.
The day was also observed at Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital (IMDH), Mokokchung to generate awareness on adequate use of iodine and to highlight the consequences of iodine deficiency. Significance of the day was delivered by Dr. S.S. Akaba Longchar, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), who stressed on the importance of consuming iodised salt. Health talk on different iodine deficiency disorders and demonstration of salt testing for iodine content in common salt was done by Dr. Kibangkumba, Deputy CMO & District Nodal Officer for GIDD Mokokchung. He said Global IDD Prevention programme is one of the most successful programmes in India and it is reflected in the decrease in incidence of the disorders. He also stressed on the role of ASHAs in this programme for salt testing and urine collection.
In Dimapur district, a programme was organised at CMO conference hall to observe the day under the theme ‘Eliminate Iodine Deficiency Disorders; Consume only Iodized Salt.’ Dr. Antoly Suu, Deputy CMO, Dimapur gave a presentation on the importance of iodine and iodine deficiency disorders. Chief Guest Dr. K. Vikato Kinimi, Chief Medical Officer, Dimapur also focused on the importance of iodine. He requested the salt stockists to sell only iodised salt to the people and everyone present in the programme to create awareness to the people.
At CHC Jalukie, the programme had Rosietho Ngouri, SDO (Civil) Jalukie as the guest of honour. Rosietho stressed that Iodine Deficiency Disorders are 100% preventable, thus it becomes utmost important for all public leaders to disseminate the right information and make people aware. He also highlighted the importance of iodine and requested all the representatives present to spread the information on importance of iodine, act as an agent to the people around. In his keynote address, Dr. Ngangshimeren, CMO pointed out that iodine deficiency is considered the world’s single most significant cause of preventable brain damage and mental retardation today.
