Chhattisgarh is among the top ten states where over 90 percent houses are using iodine salt. Currently, 93  percent of houses are        consuming iodine salt against the national average of 76.3 percent.

It was informed during “experience sharing        workshop from adolescent and maternal nutrition     program in Chhattisgarh” jointly organised by state health department and Nutrition International here on Monday. 

Currently, 98.4 per cent population in the state is using iodine salt.

Officials informed that according to a report from National Family Health Survey and India Iodine Survey 2018-19, there has been 20 percent jump in iodine salt consumption in Chhattisgarh in past few years.

The report was jointly prepared by Nutrition International, AIIMS (New Delhi) and Indian Coalition for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders, they said.

For the first time this national survey was held across 29 states and seven union territories. The report said that in only ten states and three union territories more than 90 per cent households are using iodine salt and Chhattisgarh is one of them.

During the workshop efforts of the state iodine deficiency disorder cell (IDD cell) were also highlighted. The IDD cell through weekly market and state Public Distribution System (PDS) constantly monitors the quantity of iodine reaching masses in the state. 

In this process Woman and Child development department, Civil Supplies department, Chhattisgarh Medical Service Corporation, Food and Drugs Laboratory, Railway and salt businessmen are also notable stakeholders, officers said. 

IDD Cell state program officer Kamlesh Jain informed that iodine is crucial for physical and mental health. It helps in regulating body temperature and iodine imbalance during pregnancy could lead to miscarriage, still birth or mentally weak child. Its deficiency can also lead to stun growth.