DLP Report
TIMERGARA
In observance of World Iodine Day, an awareness walk and a special event were held in Timergara to highlight the importance of iodine in daily nutrition and the dangers of iodine deficiency. The initiative aimed to educate the public on including iodine-rich salt in their diets to prevent a range of serious health issues. The event was led by Additional Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Bashir Khan and saw participation from Additional Assistant Commissioner Abdul Aziz, Zonal Manager of Nutrition International Iodine Program Syed Hameed Khan, Dr. Abdul Wali Khan from the Health Department, Assistant Director of Halal Food Shakeel Khan, Akbar Khan, representatives from various NGOs and civil society, sanitation workers, and journalists.
During the ceremony, Zonal Manager Syed Hameed Khan delivered a detailed briefing on iodine’s crucial role in human health. He explained that iodine is essential for physical and mental development and is naturally found in fish, meat, and vegetables. He warned that iodine deficiency can cause severe health problems such as goiter, miscarriages, infertility, developmental issues in unborn children, birth defects like muteness and deafness, physical and mental retardation, stillbirth, and stunted growth.
He emphasized the importance of using iodized salt, instructing that it should be stored properly—away from sunlight and wind—and covered during cooking to prevent iodine loss through steam. Addressing the participants, ADC Muhammad Bashir Khan issued strict directives to the Food Department and relevant authorities to take immediate action against salt factory owners and shopkeepers who fail to add or sell iodized salt. He underscored that iodized salt is safe for consumption and debunked negative misconceptions surrounding its use. He urged the public to avoid non-iodized salt and adopt iodized salt as a daily dietary necessity.
The event concluded with an awareness walk aimed at sensitizing the broader community on the health benefits of iodine and the need for its proper intake through iodized salt.
