The National Nutrition Council-NCR joins the nation in the observance of Goiter Awareness Week (GAW) on January 26-30, 2015. Presidential Proclamation 1188 signed in 2006 declared every 4th week of January as Goiter Awareness Week to increase public awareness on the prevention and control of Goiter and other Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD).

The Department of Health, together with partner agencies and medical societies focusing in thyroid diseases, takes the lead in this yearly celebration. Goiter is the enlargement of thyroid gland which could be due to a deficiency in iodine or other causes such as autoimmune disease, inflammation and other medical conditions.

Goiter due to iodine deficiency can be prevented by eating foods rich in iodine such as salt water fishes, shellfishes and seaweeds and by the regular use of adequately iodized salt in the daily diet. Goiter due to other causes can be treated medically or surgically.

Iodine deficiency continues to be a nutrition challenge in the country. Widespread information and education is needed to capacitate the public about the effects of goiter and other IDDs. This year’s theme “Goiter Sugpuin, Isip Patalinuhin, Iodized Salt Gamitin” emphasizes the importance of using iodized salt as a practical way of obtaining iodine from the daily diet to prevent goiter and other conditions due to a deficiency in iodine.

Let’s prevent and control goiter due to iodine deficiency. Follow the 7th Kumainment: “Gumamit ng iodized salt”!

(TAR/MEVF/NNCNCR) Photo courtesy of Department of Health