Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) Prevention Day

  Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) Prevention Day or World Iodine Deficiency Day is observed every year on 21st October.

Iodine is an essential micronutrient required for normal thyroid function, growth, and development.

Iodine deficiency can lead to a variety of health and developmental consequences known as iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs).

Iodine deficiency is a major cause of preventable mental retardation. Iodine deficiency is especially damaging during pregnancy and in early childhood.

In their most severe forms, IDDs can lead to cretinism, stillbirth and miscarriage; even mild deficiency can cause a significant loss of learning ability.

 In August, 1992 the National Goitre Control Programme (NGCP) was renamed as National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP) with the inclusion of wide spectrum of Iodine Deficiency Disorders(IDD)