The National Nutrition Council-Region VI joins the nation in the observance of Goiter Awareness Week (GAW). Presidential Proclamation 1188 signed on December 11, 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 most common cause of goiter is the lack of iodine in the diet. Iodine deficiency continues to be a nutrition challenge in the country. In Western Visayas, Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) is prevalent in the provinces of Capiz & Guimaras, according to the 8th National Nutrition Survey of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI).

Goiter is a health condition that involves the enlargement of the thyroid gland. This causes the formation of a lump in the front of the neck. Most goiters produce no symptoms, but when symptoms occur, the following are the most common: tightness in the throat, cough and hoarseness and trouble in swallowing.

Most simple goiters are preventable through adequate intake of iodine, which is added to table salt and found in foods like tuna, shrimp, seaweed, cheese, and cow's milk. The Regional Bantay Asin Task Force (RBATF) involved the Local Government Units specifically Nutrition Action Officers and District/City Nutrition Program Coordinators of provinces and cities in actively monitoring the Asin Law (RA 8172) implementation. ASIN Law aims to promote the use of iodized salt to address the lack of micronutrients such as goiter and iodine deficiency disorders in the country.

Remember the 7th Kumainment: “Gumamit ng iodized salt”! Let’s prevent and control goiter and other iodine deficiency disorders.//REF