Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day
October 21 · Level 2 · #1936 of 2238
This day highlights why iodine matters: the thyroid needs it to make hormones. Too little can cause goitre and hold back brain development in children.
How it is celebrated: doctors and health groups run talks, free check-ups and awareness campaigns. The message stays simple: make sure people get enough iodine, for example through iodised salt and seafood.
Iodine shortage during pregnancy is one of the most common preventable causes of intellectual disability in children. Switzerland was an early adopter of the fix and began selling iodised salt in 1922.