Iodisation: ‘Pakistan records progress against IDDs’

Dr Nawaz informs participants of the process of salt iodisation and its packaging.

FAISALABAD:

Pakistan has made tremendous progress in elimination of iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs).

Health Executive District Officer Dr Abdul Rauf said this while addressing sanitary inspectors attending a refresher course on Universal Salt Iodisation programme (USI), jointly organised by the Health Department and the Micronutrient Initiatives.

Rauf said that according to the National Nutrition Survey 2011, the consumption of iodised salt at the household level had increased, benefiting mothers and schoolchildren. He urged sanitary inspectors to monitor salt iodisation process on a weekly basis.

Dr Nawaz informed the participants of the process of salt iodisation and its packaging. He said the district coordination officer had supported the Health Department’s efforts by banning the production of non-iodised edible salt. He hoped that the legal cover would enable the department to strictly deal with non-compliant salt processors.

USI Field Officer Syed Bilal Murtaza said an IDD-free Pakistan would help mothers conceive early and children to have a higher IQ.

Health Services Director Dr Abdul Rasheed and Health District Officer Dr Asif Shahzad also addressed the inspectors.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 16^th, 2012.