IPHO relaunches 'Patak sa Asin'
The Iloilo Provincial Health Office has relaunched Patak sa Asin Sa Market Monday in Passi Market as part of the nationwide Patak sa Asin week-long celebration.
Ms. Leni Disin, Iloilo Provincial Nutrition-Dietitian said that since the enactment of the Asin Law in 1995, efforts to achieve the objective of the Universal Salt Iodization Program to prevent iodine deficiency among children and pregnant mothers have not progressed thus the need to heighten the awareness on the program.
Lack of iodine in the body results in physical and mental abnormalities, including abnormal physical growth, mental retardation, deaf-mutism, squint, abortion, still birth and goiter.
During on the spot salt testing conducted by the PHO staff and Passi City officials, 80% of the retailers are selling iodized salt thus warned those who did not pass the test. Disin said that the Passi City Health Office is also very vigilant in their monitoring and will impose necessary action if they failed again to sell iodized salt.
It was noted that iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) among children six to 12 years old in the Province has dropped significantly since the enforcement of the Asin (An Act on Salt Iodization Nationwide) Law in 1995.
With the reduction of IDD cases, the PHO also want the same reduction in cases of vitamin A deficiency disorder (VADD) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) through the Food Fortification Law.
Disin said Food fortification is the addition of micronutrients to food items that are widely consumed by the public. The Philippine Food Fortification Act of 2000 aims to increase dietary intake of vitamin A, iron and iodine.
Those who were present during the relaunching were PHO staff, Passi City Health Officer Dr. Melven Palmares-Oyad, SB Member Juan Masna and other officials.
The PHO team will also conduct the same salt testing in various municipalities.
(Gina Angela H. Celebria)