During the Joint Regional Nutrition Committee (RNC) and Regional Technical Assistants on Nutrition (RTAN) meeting held at Pines View Hotel, Baguio City last September 12, 2012, the group discussed the draft resolution entitled “Intensifying Advocacy of the National Salt Iodization Program” for comments and approval of the body prior to presentation to the RDC-CAR. This resolution will strengthen the promotion and utilization of iodized salt regionwide; push LGUs to revive their ASIN Task Force and to monitor activities in support to the ASIN Law.
Based on the findings by the NSIP-TWG who visited the Province of Benguet and the City of Baguio last 2011, it was noted that awareness and utilization of iodized salt in the area continue to decline. Most of the respondents/ households interviewed, do not know the importance of iodine and some are not familiar with the said law. It was also observed that iodized and non-iodized salt are being sold at the market.
Moreover, the latest National Nutrition Survey (NNS) of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) revealed that in CAR, there were only 53.4 percent compliance on the use of iodized salt and that of this figure, 92.8% reacted positively to potassium iodate, which attests to the effectiveness of salt iodization program. In addition, there remains a high prevalence of Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) in the region among pregnant and lactating women.
This resolution will now be presented by the RNC to the forthcoming 4th Quarter Regional Development Council –Cordillera Administrative Region ExCom meeting for approval and will be furnished to all the members of the RDC especially provincial governors for appropriate action.
