Efforts to tackle iodine-deficiency disorders on track

Friday, Dec 23, 2011

Gulf News

Dubai The UAE is soon set to achieve its goal of being declared free of iodine deficiencies. The International Council for Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (ICCIDD) praised the country’s efforts in eradicating the malaise. It was prevalent among 40 per cent of the population in 1994, according to a study conducted by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Iodine deficiency can lead to goitre, serious brain damage in embryos and newborns, and slow physical and mental development in children.

The action plan put in place after the WHO study has reaped benefits as recent figures suggest that 93 per cent of the UAE’s population consumes iodised salt. The number of people suffering from goitre has also come down.

Dr. Mahmoud Fikri, Assistant Undersecretary for Health Policies at the Ministry of Health, said, “The UAE adopted strategic plans aimed at improving health care as it represents the cornerstone of the nation’s development. The ICCIDD acknowledges the steps implemented by the Ministry of Health over the past years, and will qualify the UAE to be declared free of iodine deficiencies in the near future.”

The UAE adopted clear strategic plans aimed at improving health care as this represents the cornerstone of the nation’s development and progress.”

Dr Mahmoud Fikri

Assistant Undersecretary for Health Policies at the Ministry of Health

By Habiba Basiony?Staff Reporter