ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(DR.BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR)
a) Prevalence of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) is steadily declining in the country. The details of Total Goitre Rate (TGR) based on initial surveys and subsequent re-surveys are annexed.
b) The target under NIDDCP is to bring the prevalence of IDDs to below 5% in the country and to ensure 100% consumption of adequately iodated salt (>15ppm) at the household level.
c) National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP) is being implemented in the entire country. For effective implementation of the programme, financial assistance is provided to all States/UTs for establishment of State/UT Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Cell and IDD Monitoring Laboratory, conducting district IDD Surveys/ Resurveys, health education and publicity to create awareness about IDD, promoting consumption of adequately iodated salt and monitoring of Iodine content of salt through salt testing kit at the Household/Community level.
The significant achievements under NIDDCP are :-
• Over the years, the Total Goiter Rate (TGR) in the entire country has reduced significantly.
• The production and supply of Iodized salt in the country during 2020-21 is 78.58 Lakh Tonnes and 75.66 Lakh Tonnes respectively.
• For effective implementation of National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme, 34 States/UTs have established Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Cells and Iodine Deficiency Disorders monitoring laboratories in their State Health Directorate.
• Consumption of Iodated salt at household level has increased to 93% as per NFHS - 4 (2015-16) from 76% in NFHS 3 (2005-06) conducted by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• The Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS) (2016 - 2018) indicated that there was adequate level of Iodine intake which is essential to prevent Iodine Deficiency Disorders including Hypothyroidism.
d). The challenges faced by the government in controlling Iodine deficiency include the lack of awareness regarding consumption of iodine rich foods and iodized salt.
To control thyroid disorders among women particularly related to hypothyroidism the following steps have been taken by the Government:-.
(i) NIDDCP is being implemented in all the States/UTs of the country for entire population including women.
(ii) National Guidelines for screening of Hypothyroidism during pregnancy were released by Maternal Health Division of this Ministry in December, 2014 and are available on the website of NHM.
(iii) Under the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA), pregnant women are screened for hypothyroidism on 9th of every month.
e). Under NIDDCP, Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day is being observed every year on 21st October in all the States/UTs. In the year 2020, several initiatives were taken by the Government including:-
(i) Communication from Ministry of Health & Family Welfare was issued to all States/UTs, emphasizing to generate awareness about Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDDs) and their prevention and benefits of Iodized salt etc. through IEC in the States/UTs on this Day by following the Guidelines for Covid-19 prevention.
(ii) IEC material on IDD were provided to all States/UTs. These were utilized by States/UTs to spread awareness among the community.
(iii) Financial assistance was given to the States/UTs to observe this Day.
(iv) IDD Messages were released on Ministry of Health & Family Welfare’s (GOI) Twitter handle.
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