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DIMAPUR — Along with the rest of the world, Wokha and Mokokchung districts also commemorate Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day (World Iodine Deficiency Day) on Monday.
Wokha: The Medical department, Wokha, organised an awareness programme at Isaiah Ability Higher Secondary School, Wokha town.
Addressing the event, Dr. Aseno Rhetso, district programme officer (NCD) Wokha, said that iodine is a micro nutrient which is required in small amount in the body and its deficiency can lead to diseases such as goitre, growth retardation and mental retardation besides creating health risks for pregnant mother and her unborn child, stated a press release from chief medical officer, Wokha.
“Iodised salt is the best source of Iodine and its regular intake through our daily diet can prevent these diseases,” she said.
Dr. Aseno informed the students that the sun logo on salt packages signify the presence of iodine.
She also explained the correct form of storing iodised salt in order to preserve iodine content in the salt - how it should be kept in air tight containers away from direct sunlight.
Practical demonstration of salt testing kit was shown to the students by Echungbeni Tsanglao, district community mobiliser; Mhonlumi Kithan, Block ASHA co-ordinator and Zuchobeni, ASHA ward 12. Mhalo Ovung, administrator of Isaiah Ability Higher Secondary School, thanked the Medical department for taking the initiative to organise the awareness programme and hoped the students will learn the importance of iodine.
Mokokchung: In Mokokchung, the Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day was observed with the urban ASHAs at the chief medical officer’s conference hall.
Dr. Limanaro DPO (UIP and RCH), who spoke on the significance of the day, highlighted that one out of every five people in India lives in IDD endemic areas, according to a DIPR report.
She said that iodine deficiency disorders including simple goitre, mental retardation and stunted growth or cretinism are caused by lack of iodine in the diet.
While most of these disorders are permanent, yet all of them are preventable only by consuming good quality iodised salt, she added.
Dr. Limanaro called upon the ASHAs to disseminate the information on iodine disorders, their consequences, control and preventive measures. Salt testing was also demonstrated to ASHAs.