DIMAPUR: Global iodine deficiency disease prevention (IDDP) day was observed on October 22 at Dimapur and Mokokchung to create awareness of the need to prevent iodine deficiency.
In Dimapur, the day was observed at CMO’s office Dimapur, where CMO Dimapur, K. Vikato Kinimi urged the salt stockists and traders to “sell only iodised salt so that the public may use only iodised salt”.
He also informed the salt stockist and traders in Dimapur that the health department would be carrying out inspection and testing of iodised salt on a regular basis, where defaulters would be fined as per the provision provided under PFA Act 1954.
Dy.CMO Dimapur Dr. Antoly Suu oriented the members on the conditions and diseases related to iodine deficiency disorders. She further said that all stockists must notify the department when new salt consignment reaches Dimapur for testing and verification.
Zhapu demonstrated on how to test for iodine in salts using the iodine test kit. All the members present also took the pledge to sell and distribute only iodised salt in the district. Salt stockists and traders under Dimapur participated in the programme. Awareness activities on iodine deficiency disorders prevention (IDDP) are being carried out in various schools by organising painting competition, essay writing competition, etc and awareness programmes for community leaders are also being conducted.
Mokokchung: The IDDP day was observed at Mokokchung municipal council conference hall under the theme “iodised salt, traders responsibility” with the salt traders of Mokokchung town.
A press release from CMO Mokokchung, media officer, Rongsenkala stated that deputy chief medical officer, Dr. Kibangkumba highlighted the importance of iodine as an essential micronutrient required for normal thyroid function growth and development.
He said that monitoring of iodised salt would be done by ASHAs in every shop. The salt traders were also made to sign a pledge to sell only iodised salt for human consumption. The programme was attended by MMC members, salt traders and CMO staff.