DIMAPUR — The ‘Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) Prevention Day’ was observed across Nagaland on October 21 on the theme “Nurturing health with iodine deficiency prevention for all.”
In Kohima, the department of Health and Family Welfare along with Peraciezie Mother’s Union (PMU) and Peraciezie Traders’ Union (PTU) observed the day at Peraciezie panchayat hall, where Dr. Akuo Sorhie, director of Health, spoke on the importance of using iodised salt and its benefits.
She informed that iodine deficiency leads to goitre, mental retardation, low IQ, dwarfism, deafness, abortion and still birth. She also advised to store salt in a closed container and away from fire and also to check for iodised salt logo on salt packets before purchasing it.
A demonstration of salt analysis with STK was also carried out by the IDD cell using local made salt, everyday salt and tata salt.
Wokha: Awareness talk, drawing and essay writing competitions marked the ‘Global Iodine Deficiency Disorder Prevention Day’ at Government High School (GHS) in Longsa village.
An up from the office of the chief medical officer (CMO), Wokha, stated that an awareness talk on the importance of iodine in diet was delivered by Dr. Aseno Rhetso, NCD district programme officer, Wokha. She explained that iodine is a micro nutrient, which is required in small amount in the body. She added that deficiency of iodine could lead to goitre, growth retardation, mental retardation and cause serious health concern among pregnant women affecting both the mother and unborn child.
Dr. Aseno informed that regular intake of iodised salt in daily diet could prevent most of those diseases. She also advised to check for the sun logo on salt packets while purchasing iodised salt.
It stated that the students were also made aware on the right method to store iodised salt.
It further stated that the assistant headmistress of GHS, Longsa, Rosana Ezung gave away prizes to the winners of the drawing and essay writing competitions.
Mokokchung: Mokokchung district observed ‘Global Lodine Deficiency Disorder Prevention Day’ at MMC conference hall organised by National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP), Mokokchung, on the theme ‘Understanding the importance of iodine for the body.”
An update from CMO office, Mokokchung, stated that Dr. Limanaro, DPO (NCO), highlighted on the importance of iodised salt and its benefits and encouraged to take iodine regularly.
Demonstration of salt analysis was carried out by Tialemla, ASHA, and the programme was chaired by Watisenla DCM.
Zunheboto: Zunheboto observed the Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day at the DC’s conference hall on the theme “Nurturing health with iodine: Deficiency prevention for all.”
The deputy commissioner, Rahul Bhanudas Mali, who was also guest of honour, encouraged the ASHA to perform their duties well to prevent disorders due to iodine deficiency such as goitre, infertility, mental retardation etc in the district. He also urged the salt traders or shop owners to procure stock and sell only good quality iodised salt for human consumption.
The deputy CMO of Zunheboto, Dr. K Akaho Sema, highlighted on the iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), while Dr. N Mhonchan Kithan, DPO NCD, elaborated on the prevention and control of IDD.
Community health officers, nurses, ASHA, block ASHA coordinators were felicitated with certificate and cash for their outstanding service and contribution to NIDDCP activities during the programme.
Also read: Iodine deficiency a major public health problem — Health department
