World Thyroid Day is annually observed across the globe on 25th May to create awareness about the vital roles of the thyroid and to educate the general public on the treatment and prevention of thyroid diseases.
- The day aims to address the suffering of the people with thyroid disease and recognise the people across the globe who are working to better understand and treat thyroid diseases.
- Blue paisley ribbon is the international symbol of thyroid awareness.
Theme:
The 2022 theme is “Thyroid and Communication”.
Background:
i.World Thyroid Day came into existence in 2008 on a proposal by the European Thyroid Association (ETA).
ii.In 2011, for the first time, World Thyroid Day was celebrated by the American Thyroid Association, ETA, the Asia-Oceania Thyroid Association, and the Latin American Thyroid Society.
iii.May 25th which was already observed as a national thyroid awareness day in some Scandinavian countries was chosen as the date for the observance of World Thyroid Day.
International Thyroid Awareness Week 2022 – 25th to 31st May:
i.The International Thyroid Awareness Week is annually observed across the globe on the 4th Week of May to create awareness and understanding of thyroid diseases, their symptoms, prevention, and treatments.
ii.The observance of the week was declared by the 11th European Congress of Endocrinology in April 2009.
International Thyroid Awareness Week 2022 is observed from 25th to 31st May.
Thyroid:
i.Thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck just below the larynx. It consists of 2 lobes located on either side of the trachea.
ii.Thyroid gland secretes Thyroxine hormone into the bloodstream, which plays a vital role in digestion, heart and muscle function, brain development and maintenance of bones.
iii.Iodine is a micronutrient needed for the production of thyroid hormones. It regulates metabolism, growth, and development.
iv.Most Common Thyroid Disorders include hyperthyroidism (abnormally increased thyroid activity), hypothyroidism (abnormally decreased thyroid activity), thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland) and thyroid cancer and are often caused by iodine deficiency.
