Presidential Proclamation 1188 signed in 2006 enacted the celebration of Goiter Awareness Week every 4th week of January to prevent and solve the problem in iodine deficiency through information dissemination, education and training, research and other preventive measures. With the Department of Health as the lead agency in coordination of other partner associations and relevant stakeholders, National Nutrition Council Region VI joins in the observance of the GAW.
Goiter is any enlargement of the thyroid gland. It is the most common manifestation of iodine deficiency and a 5% prevalence of goiter among schoolchildren indicates that there is a problem of iodine deficiency. Aside from goiter, lack of iodine in a pregnant mother’s diet may also lead to a child’s mental retardation or low IQ.
Based on the results of the 8th National Nutrition Survey in 2013, 8.9% of children aged 6-12 years old have iodine deficiency disorder.
Kumainment No. 7, states “Gumamit ng iodized salt.”, is one of the steps being taken by the National Nutrition Council to promote the increased intake of iodine in the diet. This helps not just during the Goiter Awareness Week but in the campaign whole year round.
Also, ASIN Law or the Republic Act No. 8172 signed in 1995, aims to promote the use of iodized salt and requires all salt manufacturers to iodize the salts they produce and distribute. Furthermore, Bantay Asin Task Forces were established at all levels to ensure and monitor the adequacy of iodine content of the available salt in the market.
Spread the word! Be aware! Use iodized salt to prevent goiter and other Iodine Deficiency Disorders.
