SRI VIJAYA PURAM | NOVEMBER 10, 2026 | DWEEP TULIKA | ANDAMAN NEWS
An iodine deficiency awareness programme featuring children's performances and ventriloquism was organised at Flag Point, near Ayyanar Temple, South Point, on Tuesday as part of the public awareness initiatives of the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP).
The programme was organised by the Office of the Programme Officer, NIDDCP, under the Union Territory Health Mission, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Children presented a street play highlighting the importance of iodine in maintaining good health.
The programme also featured an interactive ventriloquism presentation by Priyanka Talukdar, the Islands' female ventriloquist, representing Mukta Dhara Society. Her puppet character, Adhi, joined the presentation to communicate health messages in an engaging and accessible manner.
Health Educator Explains the Importance of Iodine
Speaking to Dweep Tulika, Mr. Tyagarajan, Health Educator from the Directorate of Health Services (DHS), explained that iodine is an essential micronutrient required by the human body.
He highlighted that iodine deficiency can lead to several health complications, including goitre, impaired intellectual development, poor physical growth and developmental problems among children.
He also drew attention to the potential consequences of iodine deficiency during pregnancy, particularly its impact on the development of the unborn child.
Seafood and Iodised Salt in the Islands
Discussing the situation in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Tyagarajan observed that seafood consumption provides residents with a natural dietary source of iodine.
He further stated that salt supplied to the Islands undergoes testing and is iodised before distribution.
According to him, iodine deficiency-related disorders are relatively uncommon in the Islands. However, he emphasised that continued public awareness remains important to prevent deficiency and its associated complications.
Awareness Activities Conducted Throughout the Year
Tyagarajan explained that the Health Department conducts awareness activities throughout the year through different community-based platforms.
These include street plays, small community meetings, awareness activities involving Anganwadi workers, village-level gatherings and school-based competitions.
Drawing competitions and other educational activities are also organised to help children understand the importance of iodine and communicate the message to their families, particularly parents who may have limited awareness of the subject.
Children and Ventriloquism Take the Message to the Public
The Flag Point programme used children's performances and ventriloquism to make health information more accessible to the public.
Through the street play and the interactive presentation featuring Adhi, the organisers sought to communicate the importance of adequate iodine intake beyond conventional awareness sessions and encourage community participation.
The programme highlighted how creative forms of public engagement can complement the Health Department's ongoing efforts to spread awareness about iodine deficiency disorders across the Islands.