Today, three week long activities regarding Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDDs) prevention day was concluded with the message to masses that “it is time to introspect, sensitize and consensitize the citizens of our city beautiful to take forward as individual responsibility to eliminate Iodine Deficiency Disorders. Worthy Director Health Services –cum-MD NHM Dr. Suman Singh was the Chief Guest. Dr. Ranjana Mehta P.O NIDDCP apprised the gathering of various activities under taken by the IDD cell of U.T Chandigarh & the achievements of the programme. DHS addressed the gathering of Programme Officers, Medical Officers, Schools teachers & students.
IDDS is a major public health problem worldwide. It is confirmed that one out of every five people in India resides in IDD Endemic Areas. It is estimated that 1.5 billion people in the world and over 200 million people are at risk of getting IDDS. India alone has more than 71 million people suffering from Goiter and other IDDS. Normal daily requirement of Iodine for an individual is 100-150 micrograms and 200 micrograms for pregnant and lactating mothers and sources of Iodine include sea food, sea fish, sea salt, sea weeds and cod liver oil. Small amounts occur in milk, meat, cereals and vegetables.
A number of physical and mental disorders result from iodine deficiency disorders and affect every stage of human life. There is increased risk of abortion, still birth, congenital abnormalities, increased perinatal mortality, mental retardation, deaf and dumb, paralysis, squint etc in fetal stage. In children there is neonatal goiter, hypothyroidism, physical and mental growth retardation, lowering of IQ level, poor school grades and cretinism in extreme cases. Adults manifest with impaired mental function, lower productivity, goiter with its complications.
Prevention and Control of IDD’s: Though the problems of iodine deficiency disorders are severe and irreversible, its control and preventive measures are very simple and cheap. We can prevent both present and future generation from the consequences of IDD’s just by consuming good quality iodised salt daily.