Thyroid disorders affect people of all ages and is very common worldwide. Among the large range of symptoms, the most common thyroid disorders include hyperthyroidism (abnormally increased thyroid activity), hypothyroidism (abnormally decreased thyroid activity), thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland) and thyroid cancer. All of which are often caused by iodine deficiency.
Based on the released results of the 2018 Expanded National Nutrition Survey, iodine deficiency still exists among elderly, lactating mothers and pregnant women. Iodine deficiency disorders on women of reproductive age, especially pregnant and lactating mothers, has great consequences for children during their first 1000 days of life from conception.
Hence, the World Thyroid Day was established in 2008 as part of a campaign led by the European Thyroid Association and the American Thyroid Association to emphasize the prevalence of thyroid diseases, to focus action on education and prevention programs and to intensify awareness of new treatment modalities. The International Thyroid Awareness Week is celebrated annually every 4th week of May as declared by the 11th European Congress of Endocrinology in April 2009. Creating and raising awareness of thyroid disorders is the aim of the World Thyroid Awareness Day on 25 May 2021 and the International Thyroid Awareness Week on 24 – 30 May 2021.
In order to promote disease awareness specifically on iodine deficiency and thyroid disorders in women and children the theme for this year’s celebration is “Mother- Baby- Iodine: The Importance of Iodine on the Woman and her Baby”.
Iodine is an essential nutrient for healthy brain development of the fetus and young child. It is important for both the mother and baby since deficiency of this nutrient may lead to maternal and fetal hypothyroidism (low activity of the thyroid gland) and impair fetal and child cognitive growth and development.
Heightening the awareness of the public on iodine deficiency and thyroid disorders, and strengthening multisectoral collaboration or networking will greatly help in the prevention and control of the above-mentioned disorders. (NO I Liezel Joy D. Reyes)
References:
Thyroid Federation International. (n.d.). History of the World Thyroid Day and the International thyroid Awareness Week. Retrieved on 18 May 2021 from https://thyroid-fed.org/history-wtd-itaw/
Department of Science and Technology Food and Nutrition Research Institute. (25 June 2019). Expanded National Nutrition Survey. Retrieved on 18 May 2021 from https://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph/images//sources/eNNS2018/ADOLESCENTS_and_WRA.pdf
National Nutrition Council. (19 April 2021). Observance of World Thyroid Day and International Thyroid Awareness Week. Retrieved on 18 May 2021 from https://www.nnc.gov.ph/phocadownloadpap/userupload/Ro5-webpub/DOH%20Department%20Circular%20No.%202021-0153_Iodine%20Awareness%20Week%202021.pdf
World Health Organization. (11 February 2019). Iodine Supplementation in Pregnant and Lactating Women. Retrieved on 20 May 2021 from https://www.who.int/elena/titles/iodine_pregnancy/en/