Chinese authorities have admitted that iodine deficiency is prevalent in the western part of the country and say that poverty and inadequate awareness make it difficult to eliminate the resulting diseases.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) said in a circular that the detection of cretinism in western regions and Hainan indicated that were still blind spots in the prevention and treatment of endemic diseases. Cretinism is usually caused by an iodine-poor diet.
Iodine Deficiency Disorder - Causes - NIDDCP Launch - Objectives - NIDDCP Executed - FAQs
To control IDD, the ‘National Goiter Control Program (NGCP)’ was launched which was later renamed as the ‘National Iodine Deficiency Disorder Control Program (NIDDCP)’.
To control IDD, the ‘National Goiter Control Program (NGCP)’ was launched which was later renamed as the ‘National Iodine Deficiency Disorder Control Program (NIDDCP)’.
The problem was especially severe in Chongqing, Sichuan, Tibet, Gansu, Qinghai, Xinjiang, all located in the country's less-developed west, and in the island province of Hainan, according to MOH.
West provinces are scarcely-populated and have less medical resources. Disease prevention is difficult in these remote rural areas because of high labor costs and transportation difficulties, the circular said.
The rampant illegal sale of non-iodized salt has worsened the situation, according to the circular.
Endemic diseases like cretinism have hampered local social and economic development -- making poverty-stricken areas even poorer.
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The ministry has also urged media, education authorities and local health organizations to promote the use of edible salt.
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Source-Medindia
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