EMN
Dimapur, October 21
Nagaland, along with the rest of the country, observed Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) Prevention Day today at Government Middle School, Merhulietsa, Kohima.
While interacting with the students of class VI to VIII of the school, Dr. Nandira Changkija, Mission Director, National Health Mission emphasised on the importance of paying attention to the various food we eat and most importantly to their nutritional content. She also shared on the need for acquiring healthy eating habits.
Delivering the key note address on the, “Role of Iodine in Human body and its deficiency Disorder”, Dr.Wathsutho Nguthe, Senior Specialist, NHAK explained in simple words, the importance of Iodine in one’s diet, its functions, result of its deficiency such as goitre, mental and physical retardation, speech and hearing defects, still births etc.Most importantly, Dr. Nguthe explained on the corrective measures to preserve iodine in our diet such as purchasing salt in small quantities, storing salt away from heat or fireplace and adding salt at a later stage while cooking. The vote of thanks was delivered by Kiviholi, Head Teacher, GMS, Merhulietsa who expressed her appreciation to the Medical Department for giving the opportunity to the school students to know more about the importance of Iodine in one’s diet. The programme was chaired by Mr. Nungsang Longchar, Technical Officer, NIDDCP, DoH&FW.
The children were also made to bring salt from their households and were taught how to test iodine content with MBI kits. Altogether, 105 students of the school were sensitised during the observance of the Global Iodine Deficiency Prevention Day.
Tuensang: In Tuensang, the Global IDD Prevention Day was held at CMO’s Conference Hall. The programme was chaired by Dr.Temsu DPO (UIP/RCH). Dr. T. Pangjung Sangtam CMO Tuensang gave the welcome address while prevention on IDD and Salt Testing Kit (STK) demonstration was given by Dr. Immanuel M.O (MMU) and Dr. John IDSP respectively. Discussion on IDD was led by Zubemo Drugs Inspector. Vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Mongko (RBSKY).
The programme will be on going for a week-long with essay, painting and slogan competition based on IDD in five schools. The schools are GHHS Tuensang (painting), GHS Hakushang (painting), GHS Chaba (slogan), Baptist Thangyen school (essay), GHS Thangjam (essay). On the same topic seminars are will also be held at different churches in Tuensang town.
Peren: Observing the day, a program was held at IDSP Conference Hall of Chief Medical Office Peren. Robin, SDO Civil Peren graced the occasion as the guest of honor with other dignitaries from NGOs, Town committees , GBs and various ward representatives of Peren town and the Medical Department. Chairing the program Dr. Tiala, Dy. CMO welcomed all the participants and expressed her heartfelt gratitude for their encouragement by participating in the program.
The guest of honor in his address expressed acknowledged the medical department and all the participants present in the function for being a part of the Global IDD Prevention Day. He highlighted on the importance of Iodine and urged the representatives to spread and disseminate the information, and to act as an agent to the people around about the importance of Iodine.
Delivering the key note address, Dr. Ngangshimeren, CMO gave a power point presentation which included the observance of Global IDD Prevention Day that it is considered as the world’s single most significant cause of preventable brain damage and mental retardation today; importance of Iodine, its sources, daily requirements of Iodine, How Iodine is lost in the soil; Iodine endemic areas in our country; the consequences of Iodine Deficiency and government’s policy on Iodine. He also higlighted on IDD prevalence in Nagaland.
Food Safety Officer, Enlongla gave a demonstration on salt testing on iodine. The program concluded with vote of thanks by Dr. Khrielasnuo, DPO RCH/UIP Peren.
