More than half of Pakistan’s population at risk of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD)

[LahoreEstate]

Wednesday, March 25, 2009
By our correspondent

Karachi

More than 50 per cent of the population of Pakistan is at risk of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD), according to the National Nutritional Survey (NNS) of Pakistan.

Results of the survey were presented at a seminar organised by the City District Government Karachi (CDGK) and the Sindh health department, in collaboration with Micronutrient Initiative along with the Sindh Nutrition Programme (SNP).

“Malnutrition, especially micronutrient malnutrition, is a widespread problem and has negative implications for development,” said Dr Khawaja Masuood Ahmed, NPO IDD/USI for the Micronutrient Initiative. “Iodine is an essential micronutrient required for normal body growth, mental development and physical wellbeing. If unaddressed, iodine deficiency may result in 2.1 million children being born with mental impairment in Pakistan,” he said.

Iodine deficiency in pregnant women can cause miscarriages, stillbirths and low-weight infants with decreased chances of survival. Children born to iodine-deficient mothers are also at high risk of permanent mental and physical retardation, poor school performance due to low I.Q, as well as learning disabilities.

“I recommend the use of iodised salt as a solution to combat IDD,” Sindh Special Health Secretary Dr Capt. Abdul Majid said. “Our health department is committed to eliminating iodine deficiency and a law is being framed to ensure a ban on the sale of uniodised salt. We will also ensure the production of 100 per cent iodised salt for edible purposes.”

Dr Zahid Larik, Deputy Director General (Nutrition), Ministry of Health, Dr A.D Sajnani, EDO Health, Karachi also spoke on the occasion.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=169038