21 October: Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day
Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders (GIDD) Prevention Day observed across the World on 21 October 2014. The day was observed to create awareness of the need to prevent iodine deficiency.
One third of the world population is exposed to the risk of iodine deficiency disorders. Over 740 million people in 130 countries are facing the health problem.
In India, more than six crore people are suffering from iodine deficiency disorders including endemic goiter and 88 lakh people from mental or motor handicaps.
UNICEF Gujarat office launched an IDD awareness campaign on GIDD prevention day at a Higher Secondary School in Gandhinagar in collaboration with Health and Education Departments of Government of Gujarat to promote consumption of iodized salt.
India’s Contribution
In 1962, Government of India launched National Goiter Control Program and in 1992, it was renamed as National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Program. The program was launched to prevent the Iodine Deficiency that may lead to Goiter, still births, abortions, congenital anomalies increased infant mortality, mental deficiency, deaf mutism, squint & dwarfism.
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