Rawalpindi
According to estimates, nearly 50 million people in Pakistan are suffering from iodine deficiency while 70 per cent of the total population in the country is at risk of Iodine Deficiency Disorders.
Studies reveal that more than five million children born every year in Pakistan are unprotected against brain damage while 36 per cent mothers and 23 per cent pre-school children are suffering from iodine deficiency in Pakistan. Pakistan is rated 6th among the countries where iodine deficiency is a serious health problem.
Although according to National Nutrition Survey (NNS) 2011, 79 per cent people in Punjab province are consuming iodised salt as compared to 17 per cent in 2001, still it is low when compared with countries with similar socio-economic conditions like Nepal where 98 per cent of the total population consumes iodised salt.
Professor and Head of Community Medicine at CMH Lahore Medical College Professor Dr Muhammad Ashraf Chaudhry expressed this while talking to ‘The News’ in connection with Global Iodine Deficiency Disorder Day being observed on October 23. He said that Iodine is essential for the normal growth, development and well being of all humans. The whole spectrum of health consequences casually linked to iodine deficiency is collectively known as Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDDs). IDD is most commonly seen among poor, pregnant women and preschool children. Groups most susceptible to iodine deficiency include children below two years of age, he said.
Dr. Ashraf explained that the Global Iodine Deficiency Disorder Day is an awareness campaign to educate the people on how hard the effects of iodine deficiency can fall on you if you are not careful enough. Though IDD has lowered in number over the years due to iodisation of salt and awareness programs, even today one sixth of the world population is still under the risk of the disorder, he said.
He said that the effects of IDD on the baby in the mother’s womb are in the form of congenital abnormalities (defects by birth), early deaths, brain damage, cretinism and deafness; effects on the child and adolescent are goitre (enlargement of thyroid gland), impaired mental function, stunted physical growth, short stature and diminished school performance; whereas effects of iodine deficiency on women are in the from of decreased fertility, spontaneous abortions and still births in pregnant women.
To a query, Dr. Ashraf said that Iodine deficiency can result in loss of 15 IQ points. “The main factor responsible for iodine deficiency is a low dietary supply of iodine.”Talking of remedies, he said that to prevent iodine deficiency, it is very important to educate people about the Iodine Deficiency Disorders that they and their children might get if not careful about their diet and nutrition. The addition of small amount of iodine to table salt in the form of potassium iodate at very little cost can help prevent the incidence of this serious disorder, he said.
He added that seafood is also a known source of iodine. Other sources of iodine are bread, grains, green vegetables, drinking water, milk (especially cow milk) and eggs. Daily requirement of iodine for adults is placed at 150 micrograms per day or 5 gram (1 teaspoonful) of iodized salt per day. The most viable option is having Universal Salt Iodization (USI) of edible salt across the country, he said.
He said that for children up to six months, iodine supplementation should be given through breast milk. This implies that the child is exclusively breastfed and the lactating mother should receive iodine supplementation, said Dr. Ashraf.
He said that there are specific situations, such as emergencies, among displaced people and geographically remote areas, where iodized salt may not be accessible. In these specific situations, increasing iodine intake should be provided in the form of iodine supplements for pregnant and lactating women, and a supplement or complimentary food fortified with iodine for children 6-23 months of age, he said.
He added that there is a dire need to create mass awareness on this issue and mount advocacy for promotion of IDDs legislation and monitoring of the enforcement of Universal Salt Iodisation at production, retail and community levels in order to combat iodine deficiency in the country. Trainings and capacity building of salt processors at the district level is also required.
However, concerted efforts of civil society organizations including health professionals, teachers, religious leaders, social workers, salt producers, processors and policy makers are required in partnership to overcome this challenge, said Dr. Ashraf.
He said that medial community can play a vital role in advocacy for the usage of iodized salt at the gross-root level. Medical professionals can make people aware of the consequences of iodine deficiency and dispel any myths, disbeliefs or misconceptions associated with the use of iodised salt, he said.
He suggested that new plans to strengthen salt iodization that include increasing political commitment and advocacy are strongly needed. The hospitals and nursing units should take part in the awareness program which can reduce disorders and retardation. Awareness programs, talk shows and photo exhibits can all help in reducing the Iodine Deficiency Disorder in the country, concluded Dr. Ashraf.
