Tuophema declared ‘Non-Iodised Salt Free Village’

October 25, 2022 32 Views No Comment

Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day observes across Nagaland

Kohima, October 25 (MExN): The Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day was observed across Nagaland with the theme ‘‘Understanding the Importance of Iodine for the Body” on October 21.

In Kohima, the Department of Health & Family Welfare observed the day in Tuophema Village, Kohima where Principal Director Dr K Vikato Kinimi certified Tuophema Village as “Non-Iodised Salt Free Village.”

Dr Tiasunep Pongener, Joint Director H&FW also highlighted on iodised salt and its importance at the programme chaired by Dr Kika Longkumer, Joint Director H&FW.

Phek: The day was observed at Royal Foundation School, Phek Town where Dr Shevo Hiese DVBO Phek sensitised the students and teachers on the importance of using iodised salt and its benefits.

He also encouraged the participants to consumed only iodised salt which can prevent the instances of goitre, mental and growth retardation, low IQ, deafness etc.

A salt demonstration was also carried out by Azenuo Mere District Community Mobiliser (DCM) Phek using local made salt, Everyday salt and Tata salt .

A slogan competition was also conducted where a total of 58 students have participated.

The first prize was bagged by Tewekhro-u Tsuha, Class IX student, while her classmates Khruvelu Rhakho and Shemuyo Lohe took the second and third prize respectively.

The winners were awarded with cash prize.

Wokha: The Global Iodine Deficiency Disorder Prevention Day was observed at the Government High School Wokha village where Dr Aseno Rhetso, District Programme Officer (NCD) Wokha shared that iodine is a micro-nutrient found in water and soil and its deficiency leads to goitre, growth retardation, deafness, dwarfism, causes abortion and stillbirth.

She also informed the students that soil and water in Nagaland lacks sufficient iodine and regular intake of iodine is needed.
Salt should be kept in a closed container and away from fire, she added, further advising the students to check for the iodised salt logo on salt packets before purchasing it.

Prevention of iodine deficiency is easy if we have less than 150 microgram of iodine in our daily diet, Dr Aseno stressed.
The students were later given a demonstration of salt analysis by Block ASHA Coordinators. Painting and essay competitions were also organised and prizes awarded to the winners.

Zunheboto: In Zunheboto, the District Health Society (DHS) observed the day at CMO Conference Hall where Dr N Mhonchan Kithan, DPO (NCD) Zunheboto informed that it is held to create awareness of the critical function iodine plays in maintaining normal growth and development of both brain and body. He informed that daily intake of 150 micrograms of iodine in one’s diet can prevent iodine deficiency disorders. Sale of non-iodised salt for human consumption is a punishable offence and the department takes stern measures to enforce the law and traders must label non-iodised salt for animals and farms as “Not for human consumption, Dr Mhonchan added.

Dr K Akaho Sema, Dy. CMO, Zunheboto also highlighted on the consequence of lodine deficiency in the diet and appealed the participants on proper storage and consumption of good quality iodised salt. Demonstration of salt analysis with STK was shown by Inokali, BAC.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/tuophema-declared-non-iodised-salt-free-village