Morung Express News
March 31
Kohima: Nagaland has registered a considerable decline in the Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) prevalence rate. Nagaland is also included among the IDD endemic states in the country with the goiter-prevalence rate at 34.3 per cent which was detected through a base-line survey.
“However, with the introduction of iodized salt in place of common salt and monitoring consumption of only iodized salt through various education and awareness campaign conducted by various departments including health department, there has been a considerable decline in the IDD prevalence rate in the state,” according to an official from the IDD Cell.
Though the base line survey could not be conducted due to want of fund, random sample survey conducted by the state IDD cell in the recent past shows a prevalence rate of only 1.09 per cent.
This dramatic change in the prevalence rate clearly reflects the positive impact of various health education and awareness activities conducted by the Health department, said Dr. N. Meren, Programme Office, IDD & Nut, Directorate of Health Services, Nagaland. He also stated that over the years the programme has apparently achieve its objective of bringing about a sustained supply and regular consumption of good quality iodized salt.
In order to combat the menace of IDD’s a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach therefore becoming increasingly necessary by ensuring availability of iodized salt the government has set a subsidized rate through Fair Price Shops (FPS). It is a PDS subject (F&CS department). It has effected a ban failure to observe the same is an offence under the provision of PFA Act 1954 (Health & Administration department), a release also stated. As an awareness measures, Directorate of Health Services through its IDD cell conducted training for AWW’s on IDD in Ongpangkong North South in Mokokchung district and Niuland, Dhansiripar, Kuhuboto. Dimapur urban and Medziphema ICDS project in Dimapur district during February to March 2006.
A release said that it was the responsibility of every citizen to contribute a sincere effort to achieve the goal of eliminating these tragic diseases of iodize deficiency from our land, for Sir H. Labuoisse said; “Iodine deficiency is so easy to prevent that it is a crime to let a simple child be born mentally handicapped for that reason.” The appointment was made by former MP Asangba Sangtam, who also led the delegation to Parliament House.
The memorandum was endorsed by the PM to his Special Secretary Prithraj Chauhan, who is also a Union Minister of State. The delegation explicitly explained about the prevailing situation/problems that the educated youths of Nagaland were facing. Asangba whole heartedly supported the Union and requested the PM’s Special Secretary to look into the demands of the Union on top priority. Chauhan showed immense interest in the interaction and gave his assurance to take up the matter seriously and personally.
The delegation also met PR Kyndiah, Minister for DONER and submitted an endorsement copy of the memorandum on March 21. After holding friendly discussion with him, the officials called upon him to set up a task force committee comprising of 2 EUUN officials on generating of employment to 25,000 unemployed youths so as to implement it judiciously.
In separate letter addressed to Santosh Mohan Dev, Minister for Heavy Industries in connection with the revival of the long defunct Pulp and Paper Mill Ltd at Tuli under Mokokchung district, the Union requested him to be transparent and expedite the functioning of the work without any further delay as the Government has already approved and sanctioned Rs. 600 crore for this project, wherein a good number of educated unemployed youth can be absorbed and benefited even to the grass root level.
For the success of the mission, the Union extended gratitude to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and a few of his colleagues for their support and help in all possible ways tendered to the Union, officers and individual concerned who help the union morally and financially. It also thanked the former MP Asangba for his relentless efforts in arranging the appointment to the PM’s office.
It also thanked C. Ponraj, residential Commissioner and his staff at Nagaland House Delhi for their immense effort in arranging appointment to some others central leaders and dignitaries during their stay at Delhi.
This was stated in a release issued by the Union president Wilson Mongzar and secretary press and information Ezanbemo.
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