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Iodine deficiency causing Goiter outbreak |
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News |
June 22, 2000
Shariatpur, June 21 (UNB) – The number of goiter patients in greater Faridpur is increasing alarmingly due to iodine deficiency. A recent survey conducted by Shariatpur Development Organization (SDO), an NGO, revealed that number of disabled people has also increased in the five districts owing to iodine deficiency that hamper their physical and mental growth. The districts are Faridpur, Shariatpur, Madaripur, Gopalganj and Rajbari. On an average the daily intake of iodine for an adult should be 150 microgram, but this could not be procured from water and soil, the main sources of iodine, the report said. Excess rainfall and flood water wash away iodine every year. To meet the deficit of iodine in human body, government enacted a law in 1994 for producing, selling and using iodized salt. But with a view to gain windfall profit, a section of unscrupulous traders are engaged in selling non-iodized salt showing disregard to the official rules. Local people alleged that the businessmen are selling the non-iodized salt in colourful packets labeling it as iodized salt. Non-iodized salt from across the border has flooded the local market and is being sold at a very cheap rate. Poor people, unaware of benefits of iodine, are using the sub-standard salt, said a local doctor. The survey also revealed that only 42 per cent of the total population in five districts now use iodized salt. Local elite called upon the government and voluntary organizations to launch strong publicity drive to make the people living in rural areas aware of benefits of using iodized salt.
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