Port Blair, Oct. 20: As part of the observance of Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day, the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP) is scheduled to be held on 21st October, 2022 by the Directorate of Health Services in association with Union Territory Health Mission with the aim to zero mental and physical retardation, deaf & mutism, cretinism, still births, abortion etc., due to lack of Iodine.
Iodine is an essential micronutrient required daily at 100-150 micrograms for normal human growth and development. To achieve the last mile of iodized salt coverage, concerted efforts need to be made by developing contextual and targeted strategies at the sub-national level. A deep dive into the India Iodine Survey 2018-19 by Nutrition International reveals that the progress in household coverage of adequately iodized salt has plateaued at 76%.
It is an excellent example of ‘Made-in-India and Made-for-India’ national health program model, acclaimed as a global public health success story. Indian scientific institutions, Government and industry collaborated and complimented in shaping the programme and ensuring its success. Iodine nutrition is essential to protect the population from iodine deficiency disorders. For ages, salt has been the perfect staple as the source of Iodine in our diet. It is especially critical during the first 1000 days of a child for their brain development. Hence, it is important for the population, especially pregnant and lactating women to have adequate and sustained iodine intake in their daily diet.