“The salt used by households in Northern Mindanao is not adequately iodized”. This was disclosed by NNC X Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Marissa DM. Navales during a Talakayan sa PIA citing the results of the 2013 National Nutrition Survey.

NPC Navales said that based on the survey, the iodine level of salt at households in Northern Mindanao is only 6.7 parts per million (ppm) way below the 15 ppm standards. This will require a collective effort among LGUs, regulation offices, local salt producers and manufacturers to ensure only adequately iodized salt reaches the households.

Ms. Juliet Bingona, FDA Regulation Officer, said that the iodine level of salt in Northern Mindanao will now be easily tested and monitored with the availability of the WYD equipment at the regional and provincial level.

Ms. Telesfora Madelo added that the Talakayan was sponsored by DOH RO X to drumbeat this year’s Garantisadong Pambata with IDD as one of the concerns being addressed.

Ms. Karen Yee of DOH X also discussed the pneumococcal vaccine for six weeks to 11 months old babies to be dispensed by DOH X for free through a simultaneous launch on April 15. mdmn