Bishnu Poudel

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Published On: February 21, 2019 08:16 PM NPT By: Bishnu Poudel

Nepal’s progress in Iodine deficiency disorder

Nepal’s progress in Iodine deficiency disorder

 

February is observed as National Iodine Month with an aim of creating awareness among people regarding consumption of iodized salt and the day is celebrated since 1998. The World Health Organization’s latest data estimated in 2007 found that 2 billion people around the world lived in areas at risk of insufficient intake of iodine.  IDD (Iodine deficiency disorder) is the world's most prevalent cause of brain damage which can easily be prevented by   iodized salt, but as always that is much easier said than done.

Iodine is an essential micronutrient for several human body functions. It is a natural element found in the topsoil, which is absorbed and utilized by plants. Geographic regions prone to frequent topsoil erosion due to landslides and torrential rainfall are at elevated risk of iodine loss. Crops grown in such regions are more likely to be deficient in iodine, which directly influences the dietary intake of this essential micronutrient.

The body needs iodine to make thyroid hormone which controls the body's metabolism, temperature, proper bone and brain development during pregnancy and infancy. Iodine deficiency leading to hypothyroidism, also known as goiter, can cause fatigue, weight gain, and constipation. Iodine deficiency is especially dangerous for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Mother’s inadequate iodine levels can lead to lower IQ, mental retardation, and even irreversible brain damage in a developing child.

In collaboration with national and international organizations Government of Nepal began to access the iodine status in 1965 and has been continuous since then. The Government of Nepal took initiative in 1973, after recognizing the importance of iodine to prevent IDD. Two projects established by Ministry of Health in 1973; the Goiter Control Program and the Goiter and Cretinism Control Project changed appearance of the epidemiology. The programs consisted of a combination of activities including Universal Salt Iodization (USI) and iodine supplementation through injections and/or oral iodine capsules given to the target population.

In the past, IDD was rampant in Nepal as reflected by a 55% total goiter rate (TGR) in 1965, during the first IDD survey in Nepal followed by 44% in 1985 and 0.4% in 2007. Salt Trading Corporation Limited (STC) was established in 1973 to import iodized salt from India and to distribute it throughout the country.

Nepal has made significant progress in its Universal salt iodization program, as evidenced by the fact that the household coverage of adequately iodized salt has increased from 55.2% in 1998 to 80% in 2011. According to a 2016 survey, 95 per cent of children below five years of age consume iodized salt. However disparities remain when compared with regional aspect which shows far western, mid west and eastern hills have slightly low coverage of iodized salt.

Bishnu Poudel (Public Health Professional, PG in Public health and Nutrition)

References:

1 Five Year National Plan of Action to Achieve Optimal Iodine Nutrition in Nepal 2013- 2017.

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