According to the 2018 National Nutrition Survey by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-FNRI), iodine deficiency is still existing among vulnerable groups including the elderly, lactating mothers, and pregnant women. Its effects and consequences especially on pregnant and lactating women, can have a direct impact especially to children during their first 1000 days of life, which spans from conception until 2 years of age.
Thyroid disorders relative to iodine deficiency are globally recognized as threats to public health, which, when continuously neglected, can pose negative health outcomes that include goiter, thyroid cancer, mental deficiency, physical deformities, congenital hypothyroidism, and reproductive failure. Recognizing this, the 4th week of May is declared as International Thyroid Awareness Week (ITAW) by the 11th European Congress of Endocrinology in April 2009.
For 2021, the theme of the celebration is “Mother-Baby-Iodine: The Importance of Iodine on the Woman and her Baby”. The week-long activity from 24-29 May 2021 aims to raise awareness on Iodine Deficiency Disorders. A series of webinar lecture series will be hosted by the Department of Health together with various specialty societies to promote disease awareness specifically on iodine deficiency and thyroid disorders in women and children.
(MCLCChen)
