Awareness programme on World Iodine Deficiency Day held in Doda

DODA : The NCD Cell of Department of Health, Doda today organized an awareness programme at ANMT School to mark the Global Iodine Deficiency Disorder Prevention Day.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Mohd Yaqoob Mir inaugurated the awareness programme which was attended by the Medical Superintendent GMC Doda Dr Yudhvir Singh Kotwal, Health Educator Mohammad Stafi Attu, Incharge NCD Cell Mohammad Faheem Butt besides staff and students of ANMT School.

During the course of the awareness programme, Dr Mir enlightened the participants in detail about the signs, symptoms, causes, and prevention and danger signs of Iodine Deficiency Disorder.

The participants were also informed in detail the requirement of iodine intake in food for normal growth and development of humans and how its deficiency in the body may lead to serious illnesses which can start before birth, jeopardize children’s mental health and often their very survival. It was also informed that serious deficiency of iodine during pregnancy can result in stillbirth, spontaneous abortion, congenital abnormalities like cretinism and mental retardation.

It was stressed that to prevent iodine deficiency, sources of Iodine like milk, meat, eggs, cereals, grains, salt, vegetables and fruits etc should be included in daily diet in adequate quantity.

Pertinently, World Iodine Deficiency Day or Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day is observed every year on 21st October. The aim of this day is to generate awareness about the adequate use of iodine and to highlight the consequences of iodine deficiency.