Chhattisgarh is going to observe a Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Week from October 21 to 27.
During this period, various awareness campaigns will be held in all healthcare institutions on preventing iodine deficiency.
The campaigns will provide information related to the usefulness of iodized salt and the importance of iodine in all age groups.
Detailed guidelines have been issued by the Health Department to all the Chief Health and Medical Officers and the District Programme Managers of the National Health Mission in this regard.
In Chhattisgarh, 22 districts suffer from iodine deficiency. Mitanins use the salt testing kit to know the level of iodine in the edible salt used in households.
Based on the results, families will be informed about proper intake of iodized salt and Iodine deficiency.
The state Nodal Officer on the subject, Dr. Kamlesh Jain, said that awareness of iodine deficiency and consumption of iodized salt is very important.
Pregnant women and infants are most affected by iodine deficiency.
Iodine deficiency in pregnant women increases the risk of pregnancy loss and death of infants.
Iodine deficiency in a child can cause brain damage besides late puberty as well as hearing and speech problems.
