Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) Prevention Day is also known as World Iodine Deficiency Day is annually observed on 21st October. The day aims to create awareness of the needs of the Iodine, an essential dietary mineral required for the normal function, growth and development.
Need of Iodine:
The trace amount of iodine is required for the normal function of the body since it supports the thyroid gland to produce thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormones.
Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD):
The Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) contributes to the single largest cause of the preventable brain damage across the globe.
The consequences of IDD are invisible and cannot be reversed.Â
IDD in India:
The people of India are prone to IDD due to the deficiency of iodine in the Indian soil which produces iodine deficient food.
To overcome the risk of IDD, the salt is fortified with iodine (iodized salt).
Around 350 million people of India are at risk of IDD since they do not consume the sufficient amount of iodized salt.
Efforts of India – NIDDCP:
India launched the National Goitre Control Programme(NGCP) in 1962 with an aim to eradicate iodine deficiencies in the people across India.
NGCP was renamed as the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Program (NIDDCP) in 1992, to focus on the iodine deficiency illness like mental retardation, physical weakness, deaf-mutism, stillbirth, abortion and cretinism.
Aim of NIDDCP:
- To reduce the prevalence of IDD to below 5% in the country.
- To ensure 100% consumption of adequately iodized salt (15ppm) at the household level.
Click here for more on NIDDCP.
Note:
The WHO guidelines state that a daily intake of 150 micrograms is required to prevent IDD, which can be achieved by taking an adequate iodized salt that contains 15 parts per million(ppm) of iodine.
