Programme for global elimination of iodine deficiency disorders (idd) with emphasis on Bangladesh : An overview

Abstract

Iodine is an essential trace element for the body. It is required for production of
hormones by the thyroid gland, which starts functioning in early fetal life. These
hormones are intimately related with physical and mental growth from fetal life to
infancy and childhood, and their maintenance throughout life. Average daily
requirement o f iodine is 150 microgram, which is higher in infancy and childhood,
and in women at childbearing age; and is about 100 microgram in adults. This
amount is usually obtained from food provided there is sufficient iodine in the
environment, but if the environment, like soil, vegetables, water etc. is deficient in
iodine, the daily requirement is not met, and this will result in iodine deficiency
disorder. If the deficiency occurs in fetal life there will be stillbirth, neonatal goiter,
cretinism, and at puberty it will lead to hypothyroidism and puberty goiter. In adults
iodine deficiency will result in hypothyroidism and myxoedema. IDD is a global
problem especially in hill areas. Southeast Asia including Bangladesh has a
significant iodine deficiency. There are more people in Southeast Asia suffering and
disabled by some forms of IDD than in any other region of the world. Also the world's
highest recorded prevalence rates for cretinism have been measured in this region.
For these reasons Southeast Asia is now widely recognized as perhaps the major
global focus o f iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). In an area with iodine deficiency in
nature long term supply of iodine can be achieved by supplementation of iodine with
an item o f food universally taken by people. Common salt (NaCl) is universally
consumed low cost material and has been found suitable for adding iodine. Soil
iodination program is also an effort for IDD elimination. A collaborative effort among
agriculturists, NGOs, IDD experts, salt industries, government salt regulators, policy
makers, communicators, educators, heath care providers is the hall mark for the
successful global IDD elimaination programme. CIDA, ICCIDD, MI, UNICEF, WHO
and government of Bangladesh are working jointly to eradicate IDD from Bangladesh.