National Iodine Deficiency Disorder Control Programme

The national Iodine Deficiency Disorder Control Programme is implemented in the State from 1991 and the state IDD Cell started functioning from 1.7.1994 onwards.

Objective

To promote consumption of iodised salt through various activities

Activities

• To identify the problem districts through Goitre surveys

• Take control measures through dietry supplementation of iodised salt through IEC activities.

• Spot testing of the Salt samples for the retailers

• Spot testing of the kitchen salt samples

• Testing of Non-Statutory salt samples in Food Analysis Laboratories for the Iodine content in salt.

• Supply of IEC materials to the PHCs

• Regular review of the programme at District Level by the Deputy Directors & at State level by the Director

• Celebration of Global IDD prevention day throughout Tamil Nadu involving NGOs, Public, School Children for creating awareness among the community

Notification of Govt

A notification under the prevention of Food Adulteration Act has been issued banning the sale of Non-iodised salt for edible purpose. The Government have issued orders for sale of iodised salt through fair price shops by both Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies and Co-operatives in public distribution system in pouches in all districts.

Proposed Activities

• It is also planned to give wide publicity throughout the state about the importance of consumption of iodised salt to prevent iodine Deficiency Disorders among the community through Health education programmes in schools, Radio jingles, Television, Wall paintings, distribution of pamphlets, books etc., during Trade fair and other notified festivals.

• Conduct of clinical survey for prevalence of Goitre amongst the students in all the Govt & Govt aided schools

Spot testing of the Salt samples for the retailers and spot testing of the kitchen salt samples are being done to assess the presence of iodine and know the availability and use of iodised Salt. During 2009-10 (Upto Oct ) 78,153 salt samples were tested from shops. In that 8.2% samples are of nil iodine content, 28.6 % is less than 15ppm and 63.2% is more than 15ppm. Now statutory salt samples are lifted and tested to know the iodine content in salt.

Non-Statutory salt samples are being lifted and sent to Food Analysis Laboratories for analysis to know the Iodine content in salt.

Global IDD prevention day 2009 was celebrated throughout Tamil Nadu involving NGOs, Public, School Children for creating awareness among the community. Goitre survey will be conducted in two districts during 2009-10 as per the Govt. of India guidelines after receipt of funds from the Govt. of India. It is also planned to give wide publicity throughout the state about the importance of iodised salt to prevent iodine Deficiency Disorders among the community through Health education programmes in schools, Radio jingles, Television, Wall paintings, distribution of pamphlets, books etc., during Trade fair and other notified festivals.