GIDDPD observed at PHC Lilong
Source: The Sangai Express
Thoubal, March 21 2024:
District Health Society Thoubal observed Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day (GIDDPD) 2023 under National health mission at Primary Health Centre Lilong today.
The observance ceremony was attended by Dr Y Nokul, Chief Medical Officer Thoubal as the chief guest; Dr A Brojen Singh, Block Medical Officer, PHC Lilong as the functional president and Md Riyas Sheikh, District Community Mobilizer as the guest of honour.
ASHA workers and staff of CHC Haoreibi and PHC Lilong were also in attendance at the GIDDPD 2023 observance ceremony.
On the occasion, Dr Y Nokul addressed the health issues caused by iodine deficiency in pregnant women, children and adults.
During pregnancy, iodine deficiency can cause stillbirth, deformities in the fetus, affect the nerves and veins, lead to thickening of the skin and decreased cognitive abilities or cause lumps among others, he stated.
In children, iodine deficiency can cause thyroid issues and in adults it can lead to goitre and deterioration of thyroid and cognitive functions.
Thus, he urged people to make efforts to consume the iodine present in cooking salt and spread awareness about the health problems caused by iodine deficiency.
Meanwhile, other speakers at the event addressed the importance of iodine in diet and for health.
They also advised the public to only buy iodized salt with the symbol of a smiling sun.
In order to retain the iodine from salt in the curry/dishes, the speakers urged people to add salt towards the end of cooking.