Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, February 1:

With a view of generating public awareness on the use of iodised salt, Salt Trading Corporation Ltd (STCL) has launched a month long campaign in order to save people from disorders related to iodine deficiency.

Parmeshwar Mahaseth, chief executive officer of STCL, today, announced the launch of ‘Iodine Month’ campaign to be held throughout the country this month. “Iodine is a very essential micronutrient for human beings to be consumed everyday,” he said.

Salt has been identified as the best carrier of iodine for human beings, as it is an essential commodity in everyday meal. “Since STCL is the sole agency dealing in the supply of salt in the country, it is our prime responsibility to ensure iodised salt at reasonable prices to all,” Mahaseth said. STCL has been supplying 50 ppm iodised salt throughout the country at a reasonable price compared to the neighbouring countries and always keeps a ‘buffer stock’ for at least six months, he informed.

As per the government policy to protect people from Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD), STCL decided to increase the supply of iodised salt as per demand from this year and to achieve the target of bringing the IDD prevalence rate below five per cent, Mahaseth said.

He also urged all individuals and organisations to help make people aware of the use of iodised salt and its benefits to save them from IDD.

“As the general public are still not aware of iodised salt, cooperation of people from every level of the society is essential to increase the use of iodised salt,” Mahaseth said.

The month long programme includes various activities such as street drama, distribution of pamphlets and brochures, mass awareness programmes at public places, camps at hospitals, health posts and many other places.

The IDD jeopardises children’s mental health and often their lives. Serious iodine deficiency during pregnancy may result in stillbirths, abortions and congenital abnormalities.

However, of far greater global and economic significance is IDD’s less visible level of mental impairment that lowers intellectual prowess at home, school and work.

Annual demand of salt in Nepal is about 150,000 metric tonnes, which STCL has been supplying throughout the country.

According to the World Health Organisation report on progress towards elimination of IDD, Nepal is one of 20 countries with having over 90 per cent household consumption of iodised salt.