“Learn about the IDD Control Program’s comprehensive strategies to reduce Iodine Deficiency Disorders in India, including universal iodized salt use, awareness campaigns, and more.”
Table of Contents
Iodine-Deficiency Disorder Program (IDD)
Overview:
- Iodine deficiency is a major global public health issue, affecting over 1.5 billion people worldwide.
- In India, every state/union territory is impacted by Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD).
National Goiter Control Program (NGCP):
- Launched in 1962, this 100% centrally assisted program aimed to combat iodine deficiency.
- Renamed in August 1992 as the National Iodine Deficiency Disorder Control Program (NIDDCP), expanding its focus to a range of disorders like mental and physical retardation, deaf-mutism, and more.
Objectives of NIDDCP:
- Survey: Assess the magnitude of iodine deficiency.
- Supply: Ensure the provision of iodized salt instead of common salt.
- Resurvey: Conduct follow-up surveys every five years to monitor the impact.
- Monitoring: Laboratory tests of salt and urinary iodine levels.
- Health Education: Promote awareness and education on IDD.
Organizational Structure:
- Central level management by the Directorate General of Health Services, with dedicated cells at both central and state levels for IDD control.
Key Activities:
- Policy Formation: Establish consumption of iodized salt as a primary prevention strategy.
- Mandatory Iodization: By 1992, India aimed to iodize all edible salt, with a ban on non-iodized salt for human consumption from May 17, 2006.
- Public Awareness: Health education and publicity campaigns.
Goals for IDDCP under 12th Five-Year Plan (2012-2017):
- Universal use of iodine-fortified salt.
- Reduce IDD prevalence to below 5% nationwide.
- Ensure 100% household consumption of adequately iodized salt (15 PPM).
Strategies:
- Surveys and Monitoring: Regular IDD surveys, establishment of monitoring labs.
- Training and Awareness: Programs to educate health workers and the public.
- Incentives: Community-level awareness initiatives with ASHA incentives.
This structured approach helps in understanding the efforts and strategies India has undertaken to eliminate iodine deficiency and associated health problems.