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95% counties in Tibet to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders
By:China Tibet News
update:June 05,2018
June 5,2018--May 15 is the 25th National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Day. Led by the Health and Family Planning Commission of Tibet Autonomous Region, more than ten units including the Disease Control and Prevention Center, Education Department, Industrial and Commercial Bureau carried out publicity campaigns on the hazards and prevention knowledge of iodine deficiency disorders through distribution of flyers, photo exhibition, health consultation and other forms on Yuthok Road in Lhasa City.
 
Due to the lack of iodine elements in the living environment of human beings, it results in iodine malnutrition in the human body. Iodine deficiency is a major public health problem that seriously affects population quality and social and economic development.
 
Tibet is located in the world recognized iodine deficiency zone. According to a preliminary investigation on iodine deficiency disorders conducted in the early 1970s, iodine deficiency disorders exist in Tibet's 7 cities (prefectures) and 74 counties to varying degrees. Among which, 57 counties are serious areas, and more than 80% of the total population is at risk, said Gong Hongqiang, director of the Endemic Disease Research Institution of Tibet Disease Control and Prevention Center.
 
Since 1976, pilot work of adding iodine into local salt has been carried out in Quxu County. Efforts to prevent and control iodine deficiency disorders have been strengthened. Comprehensive prevention and control network for iodine deficiency disorders is also established.
 
After years of hard work, the prevention and control work of iodine deficiency disorders has achieved good results. At present, the coverage rate of iodized salt has enhanced from 19% in 1999 to 99.09% in 2017.
 
Next, we will continue to popularize iodized salt and improve the edible rate of qualified iodized salt. With the support of policy and technology as well as the health education and health promotion activities, 95% counties in Tibet will gradually eliminate iodine deficiency disorders. Besides, high-risk groups will be detected timely. Through health management and the use of iodized oil pills, the risk level can be reduced and the the occurrence of iodine deficiency hazards can be prevented, said Gong Hongqiang.
 
By:Zhi Xinghua
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