By: Haruna Kuyateh
National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) with support from UNICEF recently embarked on Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) for law enforcement officers in North Bank West of Essau Health Region.
The training brought together 35 law enforcement officers and was held at Essau Health Region.
Alieu Kujabi, Program Manager at NaNA underscored the importance of the training for the enforcement officers saying it will contribute to enhance uptake of Iodize salt and address iodine deficiencies disorders (IDD).
Meanwhile, he dilated on the Consequences of IDD saying school children living in iodine deficient areas have IQ on average 10 – 15 points lower than those with sufficient intakes. Therefore pregnant women who lack iodine are at greater risks citing spontaneous abortion, stillbirth lower birth weight, childhood mortality as iodine deficiency kill children because of lowered defense against infection and growth retardation in children of all ages
Musa Dahaba, Senior Program Officer said IDD is part of basic nutrition adding that nutrition is a cross cutting issue that called for concerted efforts of all and sundry.
He disclosed that 80% of salt consume comes from Senegal saying there is need for security to check salt coming in to the country. According to him, consumption of seafood and vegetables enhance growth and development of children.
The National Public Health Laboratory was equipped and furnished with support from UNICEF. Purchase of Mobile Salt Iodization Plants to iodize all the salt in major markets, stores and communities.
Modoulamin Fofana Regional Health Director for Essau, Samuel Gomez, Ousman J Darboe Sub Officer 1 Custom at Amdalayi border post, ASP Omar Sanneh of Barra Police Station and Ebrima Jadama of Juffureh Immigration Officer all thanked NaNA for rolling out such training for law enforcement officers.
Also speaking at the training were Jaja Sowe, Police Operation Officer for Upper North Bank Region, Farafenni, Babucar Bajinka ASP Kerewan Immigration Office and Momodou Colley Divisional Fire Officer at Farafenni.
