by Alma L. Tingcang
TAGAYTAY CITY, Aug 13 (PIA) -- The International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (ICCIDD) declared that a third of the world’s children is iodine-deficient.
“A child born to an iodine-deficient mother has an IQ lower by 13.5 points,” Dr. Teofilo L. San Luis, ICCIDD director and country representative, said during the communication planning workshop on the National Salt Iodization Program (NSIP) in Tagaytay City from August 7 to 10.
The workshop gathered together salt producers, representatives of local government units with low iodized salt utilization, Department of Education, Food and Drug Administration, Philippine Information Agency and key officials of the Department of Health to discuss communication gaps, issues and problems encountered in the implementation of the NSIP.
San Luis cited the importance of iodine-sufficient child to build a strong mental infrastructure. Short-term solution to iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) may be iodine supplementation and long-term would be salt iodization.
He said that if a mother is deficient in iodine, the development of vital brain structure is impaired. Iodine deficiency in women translates to mental retardation in children.
IDD is identified as one of the 4 clear global risk factors for impaired child development.
Acting on findings on the knowledge and utilization of iodized salt in selected regions of the country which was conducted by PIA, the group formulated a communication plan that would address the gaps and problems encountered during the SIP implementation.
Johnny Khonghun of Salinas Corporation, a top local salt producer aired his appeal to support the local producers that are being displaced with the entry of importers. (JPA/ALT-PIA9/Zambo Sur)