Iodine Deficiency Recognised As A Public Health Problem

Iodine Deficiency Disorder has been recognised as a public health problem in the country which has led the Interim government to conduct a survey to successfully eliminate iodine deficiency.

The Permanent Secretary for Health Doctor Lepani Waqatakirewa while launching the Iodine Report yesterday said that iodine deficiency is a major concern in pregnant women, mothers and children for the past decades.

Dr Lepani said that the survey was done in certain schools and districts of Ba, Sigatoka, Suva and Labasa on children and antenatal women.

The report emphasizes the significance of iodine deficiency for social and economic development, examine in detail the various approaches in addressing the issue and urges the government and international community to give priority to control programs to reduce the incidence and severe consequences of this condition.

Dr Lepani said that the purpose of this report is to envisage making changes and improving people's diets in everyday living.