Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) Prevention Day observed in Nagaland

October 23, 2023 25 Views No Comment

DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 23 (MExN): The Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day was observed across Nagaland with the theme ‘Nurturing Health with Iodine Deficiency Prevention for All’ on October 21.

In Kohima, the Department of Health & Family Welfare along with Peraciezie Mother’s Union and Peraciezie Traders Union observed the day in Peraciezie Colony (Panchayat Hall) where Dr Akuo Sorhie, Director, H&FW, addressed 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. Salt should be kept in a closed container and away from fire, she advised and asked the people to check for the iodised salt logo on salt packets before purchasing it. A major emphasis was also given to the traders in Nagaland and urged them to sell only iodised salt.

A demonstration of salt analysis with STK was also carried out by the IDD cell using local made salt, Everyday Salt and Tata Salt. The programme chaired by Dr John Kemp, Deputy Director H&FW.

In Zunheboto, the programme was held at DC Conference Hall with Rahul Bhanudas Mali (IAS), Deputy Commissioner as the guest of honour.

He encouraged the ASHA’s to perform their duties well in National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme to prevent disorders due to Iodine Deficiency such as Goitre, infertility, mental retardation etc in the District. Salt Traders or Shop establishments were asked to procure stock and sell only good quality Iodised Salt for Human Consumption so as to prevent Iodine deficiency Disorders.

A programme was also held at Government High School (GHS) Wokha by the Health and Family Welfare Department Wokha.

Awareness talk on importance of iodine in diet was delivered by Dr Aseno Rhetso, District Programme Officer (NCD) Wokha. She explained to the students that iodine is a micro nutrient which is required in small amount in the body. Dr. Aseno informed that regular intake of iodised salt in daily diet can prevent most a lot of health conditions and asked people to check for the sun logo on salt packets while purchasing iodised salt. The students were also made aware of the right method to store iodised salt.

Salt testing kit demonstration was performed by Accredited Social Health Activists of Longsa village during the programme. The students were given information leaflets and posters related to Iodine. Drawing and essay competitions were also organised and prizes distributed to the winners by Rosana Ezung, Assistant Head Mistress, GHS Longsa. N Kilumo Humtsoe, school teacher thanked the medical department on behalf of the school authority for organising the programme.

In Mokokchung, the observation was held at MMC conference hall organised by National lodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme, Mokokchung. Dr Limanaro, DPO (NCO) highlighted on the importance of lodised salt and its benefits and encouraged people to incorporate lodine in their diet regulary. Demonstration of Salt analysis was done by Tialemla, ASHA and the programme was chaired by Watisenla, DCM.