Dimapur, October 21 (MExN): Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day was observed in different districts of Nagaland under the theme ‘Prevent mental & physical growth retardation, consume only iodized salt’ on October 21.
Dimapur: In Dimapur, the day was observed with Dr. K. Vikato Kinimi, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) as the chief guest. It was attended by all the stakeholders, including the administration, Dimapur Municipal Council, Police, Food & Civil Supply, Food Safety Section, stockiest, principal, staffs & students from School of Nursing DHD, program officers & medical staffs under medical department.
Keynote address was delivered by Dr. Antoly Suu, Deputy CMO cum Nodal Officer, NIDDCP. All the participants agreed on working together for successful implementation of the programme in the district, stated a press release received here.
Peren: Peren district celebrated the day at CHC Jalukie conference hall, where Dr. Denis Hangsing, CMO, expressed gratitude to the participants for their encouragement through participation.
Dr. Limatula, DPO NVBDCP stressed on the importance and awareness on iodized salt, informed a press release from Pezanguno Celine Secü, District Media Officer, CMO office, Peren.
Dr. Tiala, Dy. CMO gave a PowerPoint presentation, which highlighted that 1/3rd of the world’s population is at risk of Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) and 54 countries are still iodine deficient. She further spoke about the effects of iodine deficiency - goitre, stunted growth, low IQ, still birth, squint, and defect in vision, hearing, speech, impaired mental disorders/ retardation, the release added.
The programme was attended by the Medical Department, Jalukie Students’ Union, Jalukie Town Youth organization, Chairman and Goan Bura of various wards of Jalukie Town, president of Jalukie Town Women Wing Organization, church leaders and teachers.
Zunheboto: District Health Society, Zunheboto observed the Global IDD Prevention Day at CMO office, Zunheboto.
Dr. Hoito Sema, Dy. Chief Medical Officer, Zunheboto highlighted the importance of iodized salt and shared some facts about IDDs. Iodine, he noted, is essential for the normal growth, development and functioning of both the brain and body. A pregnant woman who is deficient in iodine is likely to produce an abnormal child, he stated, according to a press release from Shekho Sophie, District Media Officer, CMO office, Zunheboto.
Dr. Hoito also emphasized that shopkeepers should stock and sell only iodized salt, while pointing out that sale of non iodized salt is banned under the provision of PFA Act 1954. He further shared about the responsibilities of every citizen to purchase and consume iodized salt only.
Free IEC materials were distributed and demonstration on testing of iodine was carried out during the event.
