Iodine Deficiency Disorders rate high in Upper West Region

Wa, May 16, GNA - Upper West Region is said to have one of the highest prevalence rate of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) in the country, a nationwide survey has shown. The survey conducted in 1993 showed an overall total goitre rate of 68.2 per cent in the Lawra and 56.4 per cent in the Jirapa Districts in the region.

Dr Kofi Issah, a director at the Upper West Regional Directorate of Health Services, who told the Ghana News Agency on Friday, said the two districts rates indicated endemic goitre prevalence in the region. He said iodine deficiency is known to be a major impediment to human development and noted that if two out of the nine districts in the region have recorded endemic goitre prevalence, then it should be a matter concern to all.

Dr Issah explained that due to its problems, government in 1996 enacted a law to promote the consumption of iodated salt, to help in the control of the disorders. He said an impact assessment of the consumption of iodated salt was was also undertaken in 2007 and the findings would be made public by the end of May this year. 16 May 09