Pakistan

Global IDD Day: Around 50m Pakistanis suffer from iodine deficiency

Expecting mothers unaware of nutrient’s importance in diet

Sehrish Wasif October 23, 2014

ISLAMABAD:

Even during her third pregnancy, Sadia Arshad, 35, is completely clueless about the necessity of iodine in her diet.

After a 15-minute antenatal checkup by her gynecologist at the Polyclinic hospital, the doctor handed over a prescription listing a number of supplements that would help the expecting mother to improve her diet.

“My doctor has asked me to include protein, iron and calcium-rich food in my routine diet,” she said. But when asked about iodine, Arhsad had no reply.

Many women like her are not aware of the importance of iodine. Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) in women can lead to infertility, miscarriages and increases the chances of having physically and mentally challenged children. IDD in children can cause disruption in mental growth, low school performance and surge in school dropout rates.

It is estimated that 50 million people in Pakistan suffer from IDD. According to the National Nutrition Survey 2011, 63.7 per cent mothers lack knowledge regarding IDD and only 67 per cent households consume iodised salt of which the majority lives in urban areas.

“It is important for every pregnant woman to know if she is iodine deficient, as the deficiency might cause a low IQ level in her child,” said Rubina Bhatti, project coordinator at The Network for Consumer Rights Protection.

She was talking to The Express Tribune in connection with the Global Iodine Deficiency Disorder Day observed annually on October 23 to highlight the importance of iodine consumption. For a normal person, 150 microgram per day of iodine has been recommended and one tea spoon for life.

“Sadly, despite having active media and social networks, very few people in Pakistan are aware of the importance of iodine consumption, which is ultimately taking a toll on the upcoming generation as well,” she said.

“It is very easy for an expecting mother to prevent her child to be born with such a deficiency. All she needs to do is add iodised salt in her routine diet,” said Dr Tabish Hazir, head of paediatrics department in the Children’s Hospital, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences.

Iodine deficiency can be detected through thyroid screening but is an expensive procedure.

“In Pakistan it is estimated that 70 per cent births takes place at home with the help of midwives,” he said.

Even if the child is born in a public hospital he or she cannot be screened for it because of the expenses,” Dr Hazir added. “The best and easiest possible way to avoid IDD is to use iodised salt”.

Deputy Director General Nutrition at the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination Dr Baseer Achakzai suggested that legislation at the national level can help Pakistan address IDD issues.

“The federal government is waiting for all the provinces to formulate a bill on Iodine Deficiency Disorder control after which it will be presented before the National Assembly for approval,” he said.