SHEIKHUPURA - EDO Health Dr Zafar Iqbal Khokhar has stated that Pakistan has made tremendous strides in elimination of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD).
Addressing the refresher training session for Sanitary and Food Inspectors at District Health Development Centre (DHDC) here, the EDO Health informed the participants that according to National Nutrition Survey (NNS) 2011, the consumption of Iodized salt at Household level had increased from 17% in 2001 to 69% in 2011. The increase in iodine consumption has directly benefitted the mothers and school aged children. 52% mother are non-deficient in iodine today as compared to 24% in 2001.Iodine deficiency among children has decreased from 64% to 37% only during the same decade. He added that Sanitary and Food Inspectors of the Health Department would monitor salt factories on weekly basis to ensure processing of iodized salt. He lauded the role of The Micronutrient Initiative (MI) Pakistan for their technical and financial assistance in achieving these tremendous results.
District Focal Person Dr Nadeem Sohail informed the participants that DCO had supported the department’s efforts through a notification that puts a complete ban on the production of un-iodized edible salt and all salt processors are required to produce 100% edible iodized salt.
MI Field Officer Muhammad Yasin said that IDD free Pakistan means children with higher IQ, improved mental and physical growth; women with improved fertility, fewer still births and abortions; active & productive males and overall healthy nation contributing to economic growth of Pakistan. DO-H Dr Yousuf Raza Kazmi, DDO-H Dr Munir Ahmad Ghouri and other officials of the Health department also addressed the participants.