Shillong, November 03: A State Level Awareness cum Sensitization Campaign on Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day, 2016 was held today at Hotel Poinisuk, Laitumkhrah, Shillong. The programme was organised by the National Health Mission, Meghalaya
World Iodine Deficiency Day is observed every year on 21st October. The aim behind this day is to generate awareness of adequate use of iodine and to highlight the consequences of iodine deficiency.
Dr P. Nongrum, Nodal Officer while delivering her speech on National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP), Meghalaya explained about the amount of iodine needed for the normal growth of the human body. She also said that iodine deficiencies hamper both mental and physical growth and is very crucial for the development of the brain.
Dr. A. Dkhar, Senior Medical Specialist, Civil Hospital, Shillong during his power-point presentation on Iodine Deficiency Disorders said that deficiency of iodine can threaten health or lead to complications among pregnant women at the time of delivery. Besides causing birth defects among children, hampering development of body and brain, it can cause goitre, squint, dwarfism.
Dr. D. Lyngdoh, Director of Health Services (MCH & FW) cum Joint Mission Director, NHM, Dr. R. O. Budnah, Director of Health Services (MI), Dr. B. Mawthoh, Joint Director of Health Services (MCH & FW) and Dr. William Layam, CMO (NSFG), Regional Office of Health & FW, Shillong, also spoke during the programme.
Officials from the Health Department, Social Welfare Department, NGOs and members of the Seng Longkmie were also present during the programme.
