The theme of the 2023 Goiter Awareness Week is “Leeg Kapain, Goiter Sugpuin: Isip ay Patalinuhin, Iodized Salt ay Gamitin.” which highlights the importance of using iodized salt in preventing goiter and the function of iodine in an individual’s cognitive development.
According to the 2021 National Nutrition survey of DOST-FNRI, around 64.9% or 6 out of 10 households are aware of iodized salt but only 55.7% or 1 out of 2 households claims using iodized salt in their cooking and only 33.2% uses adequately iodized salt. 17.3% and 3.5% perceive iodized salt can prevent goiter and is good for the brain respectively.
With these issues, the 2023 GAW celebration aims to disseminate information on goiter and iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) and the importance of iodized salt in combating these issues. The Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos or 10 Kumainments also included “Gumamit ng Iodized Salt” to instill the importance of iodine in our diet. However, to prevent health complications, particularly those with hypertension, the public is still advised to limit consumption of salt to less than 500 grams or 1 teaspoon.
In the region, the Regional Bantay Asin Task Force (RBATF) Region 02 had been active in ensuring that only adequately iodized salt enters the region. Two (2) bantay asin checkpoints were set-up in two (2) entry points in the region, one in Santa Fe, Nueva Vizcaya, and one in Sta. Praxedes, Cagayan. Through its partnership with FDA North Cluster led by Dir. Gomel C. Gabuna, and the members of RBATF, the monitoring of adequately iodized salt, including at the local level through local bantay asin task force, had been exemplary. The group is also finalizing a Manual of Operations (MOP) for establishment and operation of Bantay Asin Checkpoints. All these efforts ensure that all citizens of Cagayan Valley Region only use adequately iodized salt.
Goiter Awareness Week is observed every 4th week of January of every year declared under Presidential Proclamation 1188 on December 11, 2006. – Edzell M. Arcinue
