KARACHI: In connection with World Iodine Deficiency Disorder Day, a seminar was held by Nutrition Support Program (NSP) government of Sindh in collaboration with UNICEF, on Tuesday at local hotel in Karachi.
Additional Secretary Health Govt of Sindh Dr. Aslam Pechuho was the chief guest. Program Manager, Nutrition Dr. Fahim Aijaz, known pediatrician Dr Abdul Ghaffar Billo, Provincial Program Manager MI, Dr. Fatima Saad, Nutrition Officer, UNWFP Dr. Yasir Ihtesham, Nutrition Officer, UNICEF Dr. Shehla Tabasum and National Program Manager, Ministry of National Health Service Dr. Khwaja Masood participated in interactive session on the day proceedings.
Representatives of UNICEF Dr. Nargiza Khodjavea, Chief Field Office briefed overall situation of iodine deficiency in developing countries, while Manager Nutrition Program Sindh Dr. Fahim Aijaz elaborated the status of USI and role of government in promotion of iodized salt.
Experts shared their latest research work and emphasized the usage of iodized salt in daily routine life. According to experts, normally a person requires a teaspoon of iodine in his whole lifetime. As iodine cannot be stored for long periods by the body, tiny amounts are needed regularly.
According to a survey, iodine deficiency causes increased child mortality, mental retardation, deaf & dumb, stunting, intellectual impairment (less IQ), hypothyroidism, cretinism, goiter, maternal mortality and morbidity.
According to NNS-2011 70 % of the households in Pakistan are using iodized salt. At present only 51.8% of households in Sindh are consuming iodized salt. Despite being highly prevalent, IDDs are easily preventable. Most affected population from Iodine deficiency disorders are poor class, pregnant women & pre-school children. Interventions to control IDD involve Universal Salt Iodization and the promotion of iodized salt consumption, which is easy, cheap and cost effective.
To outline the role of the government in policy-making, legislation, promotion, marketing and utilization of iodized salt at the national and local level was also discussed in the seminar. Objective of the seminar was to create awareness among the masses through regional & local campaigns, promotions and marketing for usage of iodized salt.
