Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 20 October 2024
The Directorate of Health Services, in collaboration with the Union Territory Health Mission, will observe National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP) Day on October 21, 2024. The initiative aims to eradicate various health issues associated with iodine deficiency, including mental and physical retardation, deafness, mutism, cretinism, stillbirths, and abortions.
Iodine is a vital micronutrient essential for normal human growth and development, with a recommended daily intake of 100-150 micrograms. To achieve universal coverage of iodized salt, targeted strategies must be developed at the sub-national level. According to the India Iodine Survey 2018-19 conducted by Nutrition International, the coverage of adequately iodized salt in households has stagnated at 76%.
The NIDDCP is a shining example of a ‘Made-in-India and Made-for-India’ health program, recognized globally as a public health success story. This initiative is the result of collaborative efforts between Indian scientific institutions, government bodies, and industry stakeholders, all working together to combat iodine deficiency disorders.
Iodine nutrition is critical for safeguarding the population against deficiency disorders, particularly during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, which are crucial for brain development. It is imperative for pregnant and lactating women to maintain adequate and sustained iodine intake in their daily diets to ensure the health and well-being of future generations.