Wokha, October 21 (MExN): The National Iodine Deficiency Disorder Control Programme under Department of Health and Family Welfare Wokha observed Global Iodine Deficiency Disorder Prevention Day at CMO Conference hall Wokha on October 21.
According to a press release from the Chief Medical Officer’s Office Wokha, chairperson Echungbeni Tsanglao, District Community Mobilizer informed that the day is observed worldwide annually to create awareness on iodine deficiency disorders.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr C W Tungoe, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Wokha who spoke on the topic ‘Iodine deficiency is the single most common cause of preventable mental retardation and brain damage in the world: consume only iodized salt’.
He informed that daily intake of 150 micrograms of iodine in our diet can prevent iodine deficiency disorders. The CMO also encouraged the health workers to conduct iodine test and to sensitize the public on iodine intake during home visits and health care activities. Block ASHA Coordinator (BAC) Wokha Sadar, Mhonlumi Kithan spoke on source of iodine and preventive measures of iodine deficiency disorder. She informed that the sun logos on salt packets indicate the presence of iodine and that salt should be kept away from sunlight and fireplace to preserve its iodine contents.
Tsenchanbeni Kinghen, BAC Bhandari II, spoke on various forms of iodine deficiency disorders while Lireni N Kithan, BAC Sanis gave a demonstration of salt analysis with salt test kit. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr Mhonchan Kithan, Zonal Leprosy Officer who expressed his gratitude to CMO Wokha and health workers for their active participation in the programme.
