Sunday, April 20, 2008

Three Million Suffer from IDD in Western Oromia Alone


"I have never seen any other country like this. If this problem continues, a generation will suffer." (Dr. Iqbal Kabir, UNICEF Head of Nutrition and Food Security in Ethiopia)

Dr. Kabir was referring to what he and his colleagues at UNICEF called in their report “A silent epidemic” - Iodine deficiency Disorder (IDD) – in Oromia. He had led a team of UNICEF staff on its second field trip to Western Oromia between April 22nd and 24th, 2007 to investigate the prevalence of IDD in that region and returned “absolutely convinced [that] the situation needs to be intervened without further delay”. His team consisted of a communication expert and a nutrition consultant, both from UNICEF. The epidemic had been officially reported to UNICEF by Obbo Mesfin Namrraa – a WAFIDO MP from Najjoo - with a request to assess the situation and provide support. Obbo Mesfin accompanied the UNICEF team on the trip. Having visited some waradas in Illu Abbaa Booraa the previous year and Ghimbi, Gullisoo, Boojji Birmajii and other waradas in Wallaga this time around, and having met the affected population and local Health Department officials, the team compiled its trip report titled “A silent Epidemic” in which it categorized the problem as “severe public health problem according to World Health Organization’s (WHO) cut-off point.”

According to this report, “young children, adolescent boys and girls, pregnant and lactating women and elderly women” are the most affected segment of the population. In one house hold of six, the team observes, the mother (age 28) and all of her children ranging in age from five to twelve all suffered from goiter. The report goes on to say: “the situation in Gullisso Primary School was even more alarming – in that particular shift of 400 – 500 children attending classes, a very significant number has visible goiter.” The team also tested salt samples sold in the area and found that “the samples tested absolutely negative for iodine content.”

Statistics from Oromia Regional Health Department dwarfs even the gloomy picture painted by Dr. Kabir’s team report. According to this statistic, almost 3 million people suffer from IDD just in Wallaga and Illu Abbaa Booraa regions alone.

Estimate of population Affected by IDD in 4 Zones of oromia

Illubabor
Woreda
Affected Population
Metu
63,360
Bere
55,573
Metu town
20,517
Nopa
27,081
Chewaka
82,716
Darimu
138,857
Sub Total
388,104
East Wollega
Saasigga
81,667
Guto Gidda
93,667
Haroo Limmu
55,842
Leeka Kelecha
77,462
Wayo Tuka
64,212
Lemu
64,360
Gidda Kiramu
162,427
Ebantu
34,500
Sibu Sire
99,184
Waama Bonayya
47,012
Waama Hagalo
46,860
Jimma Arjo
93,390
Nunnu Kumba
66,885
Gebuseyu
41,159
Gudeya Bila
51,412
Sub Total
1,080,039
West Wollega
Boji Birmaji
59,496
Boji Chokorsa
55,798
Kiltu Karra
54,117
Hooma
28,113
Manasibu
131,925
Najjoo (rural)
13,770
Gullisso
75,492
Nole Kabba
60,013
Lalo Assabi
89,403
Sub Total
568,127
Kelem Wollega
Anfillo
79,678
Dale Sedi
89,069
Dale Wabara
99,615
Hawa Galan
111,273
Lato Like
53,433
Seyo
131,484
Denbi Dollo
28,562
Gidami
84,452
Gawo Kebe
71,720
Yaama Logi Walal
43,799
Jimma Haro
44,556
Seyo Noole
80,250
Sub Total
917,891
Total
2,954,161


While it is difficult to estimate the number of population affected across all Oromia zones, Global Scorecard 2008 puts the prevalence of goiter in the Ethiopian Empire at 53.3%. (Read here) Some have attributed the recent upsurge of IDD in the country to the war between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Assab, Eritrea, which supplied Ethiopia with iodized salt, has ceased to do so since the war between the two countries begu -(Read here.) This theory is consistent with what the head of one of the Zone Health Departments had to say about the timing of the upsurge. Asked when the problem was first observed, he said “the problem started to show up over the last 7 – 9 years period. The peripheral Kelem woredas were affected first … and gradually moved to more central areas over the last 2 – 3 years.” He goes on to say he, and others have reported the situation to Oromia Regional Health Bureau but “no intervention measures have been taken.”

What is IDD?

IDD is caused by lack of enough iodine in the diet - Iodine being a kind of mineral needed by the thyroid gland for healthy functioning. A visible sign of IDD in a person is goiter, a swollen neck caused by a swollen thyroid gland. Goiter due to iodine deficiency is a worldwide problem; in particular communities in developing countries are at risk. Consumption of salt not fortified with iodine may be partly to blame for iodine deficiencies. Various governments around the world are being urged to step up efforts to promote the consumption of iodine-enriched salt to combat iodine deficiency in populations of their respective countries. Another proven method of prevention of iodine deficiency is to introduce iodine into the public waters supply, an option which is not available to Oromia. However, provision of iodine fortified salt for public consumption is cheap and affordable method of prevention of IDD.

Once considered a minor problem causing goiter, according to International Council for the Control of IDD (ICCIDD), IDD is “the single most common cause of preventable mental retardation and brain damage in the world.” Among its devastating effects on social and economic development of the affected population are impaired growth and development in children as children with IDD can grow up “stunted, apathetic, mentally retarded, and incapable of normal movements, speech, or hearing”; causing miscarriages, stillbirths, and other complications in pregnant women and many others - (Read here.)


According to UNICEF, IDD “takes its greatest toll in impaired mental growth and development, which contributes to poor school performance, reduced intellectual ability, and impaired work performance.” - (Read here)

Many have written urging the world community to intervene without delay. The Diaspora Oromo Community should take part in this large scale advocacy work, including raising awareness, educating the public and fund raising activities. Doing nothing would be tantamount to condemning millions of Oromo people, particularly children, to a life of few prospects and continued underdevelopment.

Have your say.

53 comments:

Anonymous said...

“impaired mental growth and development, which contributes to poor school performance, reduced intellectual ability, and impaired work performance.”

The wayanes would love this. I don't think they will going to adapt a policy that makes "iodized salt" available to every one even if it is cheap. Why would they? It serves their purpose. A purpose of keeping Oromos incompetent for generations to come. This is a biological war. It is up to us to bring this to the attention of the world in general and the Oromo people in particluar. If we don't do it, no body will.

Anonymous said...

Dear Blogger,

Thanks for bringing this important issue to our attention.

I suggest we, collectively and individually, encourage and agitate our people to demand to buy iodized salt only. The Oromo people have immense collective buying power, even if not individually, because of our shear number. The Oromo people must refuse buying unionized salt.

We have to make noise about it and the world will also join us. I do agree the Wayyaane do not care about the health of the Oromo nation. The leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Oromia are preventable diseases including malaria, HIV, TB etc.

Iodized salt is the best means of providing iodine to deficient populations, and it has been used successfully and safely for 70 years around the world. The manufacture and use of iodized salt in some countries is compulsory. There are some mega rich Oromo entrepreneurs who can start business enterprise of providing iodine-fortified salt to the market in Oromia. It is an ethical business and we have to encourage them.

Have a nice day.

Gumaa Guddaa

Anonymous said...

While our politcal organizations are working had to score points against each other, our people are suffering under poverty,desease, abuse by Mallasa & Co. "Yaa rabbi, bilisa nu baasi" ja'e Zaarihuun Wadaajoo. Nutillee akkuma obboleeyyssa keenyaa rabbiin itti kadhachaa jirran seha. Rabbiin qophaa isaa bilisa nama hin baasu barttanii?

Anonymous said...

Having a different political view shouldn't be taken as a show stopper for humanitarian work. Oromo nation is not alone to have multiple political views, parties or ideologies. The whole world is in the same boat on this. The challenge is putting the political difference aside and working together on common issues such as humanitarian, human right, education,…

Anonymous said...

Don't gamble with God's name, men! Our purpose is now to alleviate the spread of the epidemic: to talk on all at once is a loss at all!

Work for it, research on it, invest on it. Kan Waaqaan wal lole, eenyuufuu hin tolu- abalutu balleesse hin jedhin, sammuu kee bal'isi, harkakees akkasuma.

Jaal'attus jibbitus lammiidhuma keetu akkana siin jedhaatii fudhadhu.

Anonymous said...

Possibly the most influential read that I have read all month.

Thank You,
Graham

Anonymous said...

generic viagra viagra online next day delivery - where to buy viagra in la

Anonymous said...

generic viagra where to buy viagra online forum - viagra for women available in us

Anonymous said...


[url=http://mcbc.edu/xanax/xanax_851.html] Do People Snort Xanax [/url]
Reports of the benefits of Xanax pressure the power of using it strictly as needed and also tapering afar its use slowly sort of than stopping the medication abruptly. Construction up a irregulars to the medicine can change dosage calculations and, day in and day out in time, DISPIRITING patients will necessary to snowball the amount enchanted in uncalled-for to capture the benefits they did initially, although this is not the case on all patients.

[url=http://mcbc.edu/xanax/buy_xanax_online_legally_141.html] Buy Xanax Legally Online [/url]

[url=http://mcbc.edu/xanax/xanax_snort_effects_252.html] Snort Xanax Effects [/url]

Anonymous said...

soma online buy cheap soma online no prescription - buy soma ga

Anonymous said...

order soma soma discount coupon codes - medication soma carisoprodol

Anonymous said...

buy soma best buy soma san francisco - discount soma no prescription

Anonymous said...

cheap cialis cialis price discount - cheap cialis usa online

Anonymous said...

cialis online usa cialis daily available usa - generic cialis buy

Anonymous said...

[url=http://www.solarsanantonio.org/flagyl/]Flagyl[/url]
An antibacterial is an agent that inhibits bacterial vegetation or kills bacteria. The with regard to is often employed synonymously with the term antibiotic; today, however, with increased apprehension of the causative

Anonymous said...

[url=http://www.iifac.org/deltasone/]deltasone[/url]
An antibacterial is an power that inhibits bacterial growth or kills bacteria. The arrange is repeatedly euphemistic pre-owned synonymously with the term antibiotic; today, no matter how, with increased apprehension of the causative

Anonymous said...

Do you have a spam problem on this blog; I also am a blogger, and I was curious about your situation;
many of us have developed some nice procedures and we are looking to trade solutions with others, be
sure to shoot me an e-mail if interested.

Stop by my web-site :: weight loss

Anonymous said...

generic xanax xanax bars m white - overdose xanax bars

Anonymous said...

[url=http://buymetronidazole] http://buymetronidazole.info [/url]

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol buy tramadol online worldwide - tramadol hcl vicodin

Anonymous said...

[url=http://buymetronidazole] http://buymetronidazole.info [/url]

Anonymous said...

[url=http://buymetronidazole] http://buymetronidazole.info [/url]

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol tramadol for dogs dose rate - tramadol al 100mg nebenwirkungen

Anonymous said...

buy carisoprodol online no prescription carisoprodol and alcohol - buy carisoprodol usa

Anonymous said...

cialis online buy cialis online mastercard - viagra vs cialis reviews

Anonymous said...

cialis online cialis daily blood pressure - once daily cialis reviews

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol cheap tramadol for dogs cough - 001webs com buy tramadol online

Anonymous said...

learn how to buy tramdadol where can i buy tramadol over the counter in the us - best website order tramadol

Anonymous said...

buy klonopin online how much klonopin and alcohol is lethal - klonopin lethal dose

Anonymous said...

ooo!!! Generic Topiramate - buy topiramate http://www.topamaxbestonline.net/#buy-topamax, [url=http://www.topamaxbestonline.net/#buy-topamax]Order Topamax[/url]

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online where to buy tramadol over the counter - tramadol-ratiopharm 100mg/ml tropfen

Anonymous said...

http://www.integrativeonc.org/adminsio/buyklonopinonline/#7163 .5 mg of klonopin for anxiety - klonopin 35

Anonymous said...

buy klonopin online taking klonopin and drinking alcohol - klonopin side effects in dogs

Anonymous said...

The pοst has proven necessаry to me. It’s ѵery informative
and yοu are naturally really educateԁ in this regіon.
Үou have got popped our eyes in order to various thoughts аbout
this particulаr subject alοng with intriguing,
notable and reliable сontent.
Here is my blog post : soma

Anonymous said...

Your own гepoгt offers еstablished usеful to me personallу.
It’s very useful anԁ you are obνiously
eхtremely ωell-informed in this
regіon. You havе opened up mу facе to be able to varіоus thoughts about this kind of matteг with interesting
and sound cοntent material.
Here is my web page :: viagra Online

Anonymous said...

Your own post offers confiгmed helρful to me. It’s
very hеlpful and you're naturally quite knowledgeable in this area. You get opened up my personal eyes to numerous thoughts about this specific subject matter using intriguing and reliable articles.
My site wiki.axone.ru

Anonymous said...

Your гeрort featuгes confігmed bеnеfіcial tο us.
It’s quіte useful and уou are оbvіously verу well-infoгmed in thіs aгea.
Yοu get opened up my eуe tο dіfferent
oρinіon οf this subject togеther with intriguing and гeliable artіcles.


Stop by my ωeb-ѕitе - Buy Valium Online
Also visit my site Buy Valium

Anonymous said...

[url=http://is.gd/EcKOCp][img]http://stomsk.ru/pics/spymobile.ol1[/img][/url]
[url=http://vampiretheory.webs.com/apps/profile/109034678/]How To Locate A Stolen Cell Phone In India[/url] [url=http://rs-skillerz.webs.com/apps/profile/109034678/]Cell Phone Spy Pro Sim Card Reader [/url] [url=http://soundsystemsrap.webs.com/apps/profile/109034678/]Cell Phone Spyware[/url] http://fanbasezoom.webs.com/apps/profile/109034678/ is your printer spying on you spy gear night vision binoculars review trace telephone numbers for free uk best cell phone spy software free selena gomez in spy kids 3 game over
Iphone May Be Spying On You
http://porcupinebash.com/about/ http://launchyourministry.com/index.php/forum/2-welcome-mat/1770866-hack-cell-phone-into-spy-device#1770866 cars 2 siddeley spy jet transporter android spy recorder app best android sms spy app spy kids 2 megavideo ita watch himym online season 8 episode 2
[url=http://archive.org/details/adminense/]Spy Software For Mobile Phones[/url] [url=http://archive.org/details/rocescigeab/] Spy Camera With Cell Phone [/url] http://riverscurlingclub.webs.com/apps/profile/109034678/ free phone trackers app install cell spy pro v2 locate cell phone using gps tracking new spy kids trailer 2011 watch himym season 8 episode 2

Anonymous said...

[url=http://is.gd/EcKOCp][img]http://stomsk.ru/pics/spymobile.ol1[/img][/url]
[url=http://vampiretheory.webs.com/apps/profile/109034678/]How To Locate A Stolen Cell Phone In India[/url] [url=http://rs-skillerz.webs.com/apps/profile/109034678/]Cell Phone Spy Pro Sim Card Reader [/url] [url=http://soundsystemsrap.webs.com/apps/profile/109034678/]Cell Phone Spyware[/url] http://fanbasezoom.webs.com/apps/profile/109034678/ is your printer spying on you spy gear night vision binoculars review trace telephone numbers for free uk best cell phone spy software free selena gomez in spy kids 3 game over
Iphone May Be Spying On You
http://porcupinebash.com/about/ http://launchyourministry.com/index.php/forum/2-welcome-mat/1770866-hack-cell-phone-into-spy-device#1770866 cars 2 siddeley spy jet transporter android spy recorder app best android sms spy app spy kids 2 megavideo ita watch himym online season 8 episode 2
[url=http://archive.org/details/adminense/]Spy Software For Mobile Phones[/url] [url=http://archive.org/details/rocescigeab/] Spy Camera With Cell Phone [/url] http://riverscurlingclub.webs.com/apps/profile/109034678/ free phone trackers app install cell spy pro v2 locate cell phone using gps tracking new spy kids trailer 2011 watch himym season 8 episode 2

Anonymous said...

[url=http://is.gd/EcKOCp][img]http://stomsk.ru/pics/spymobile.ol1[/img][/url]
[url=http://vampiretheory.webs.com/apps/profile/109034678/]How To Locate A Stolen Cell Phone In India[/url] [url=http://rs-skillerz.webs.com/apps/profile/109034678/]Cell Phone Spy Pro Sim Card Reader [/url] [url=http://soundsystemsrap.webs.com/apps/profile/109034678/]Cell Phone Spyware[/url] http://fanbasezoom.webs.com/apps/profile/109034678/ is your printer spying on you spy gear night vision binoculars review trace telephone numbers for free uk best cell phone spy software free selena gomez in spy kids 3 game over
Iphone May Be Spying On You
http://porcupinebash.com/about/ http://launchyourministry.com/index.php/forum/2-welcome-mat/1770866-hack-cell-phone-into-spy-device#1770866 cars 2 siddeley spy jet transporter android spy recorder app best android sms spy app spy kids 2 megavideo ita watch himym online season 8 episode 2
[url=http://archive.org/details/adminense/]Spy Software For Mobile Phones[/url] [url=http://archive.org/details/rocescigeab/] Spy Camera With Cell Phone [/url] http://riverscurlingclub.webs.com/apps/profile/109034678/ free phone trackers app install cell spy pro v2 locate cell phone using gps tracking new spy kids trailer 2011 watch himym season 8 episode 2

Anonymous said...

[url=http://is.gd/EcKOCp][img]http://stomsk.ru/pics/spymobile.ol1[/img][/url]
[url=http://vampiretheory.webs.com/apps/profile/109034678/]How To Locate A Stolen Cell Phone In India[/url] [url=http://rs-skillerz.webs.com/apps/profile/109034678/]Cell Phone Spy Pro Sim Card Reader [/url] [url=http://soundsystemsrap.webs.com/apps/profile/109034678/]Cell Phone Spyware[/url] http://fanbasezoom.webs.com/apps/profile/109034678/ is your printer spying on you spy gear night vision binoculars review trace telephone numbers for free uk best cell phone spy software free selena gomez in spy kids 3 game over
Iphone May Be Spying On You
http://porcupinebash.com/about/ http://launchyourministry.com/index.php/forum/2-welcome-mat/1770866-hack-cell-phone-into-spy-device#1770866 cars 2 siddeley spy jet transporter android spy recorder app best android sms spy app spy kids 2 megavideo ita watch himym online season 8 episode 2
[url=http://archive.org/details/adminense/]Spy Software For Mobile Phones[/url] [url=http://archive.org/details/rocescigeab/] Spy Camera With Cell Phone [/url] http://riverscurlingclub.webs.com/apps/profile/109034678/ free phone trackers app install cell spy pro v2 locate cell phone using gps tracking new spy kids trailer 2011 watch himym season 8 episode 2

Anonymous said...

[url=http://is.gd/EcKOCp][img]http://stomsk.ru/pics/spymobile.ol1[/img][/url]
[url=http://vampiretheory.webs.com/apps/profile/109034678/]How To Locate A Stolen Cell Phone In India[/url] [url=http://rs-skillerz.webs.com/apps/profile/109034678/]Cell Phone Spy Pro Sim Card Reader [/url] [url=http://soundsystemsrap.webs.com/apps/profile/109034678/]Cell Phone Spyware[/url] http://fanbasezoom.webs.com/apps/profile/109034678/ is your printer spying on you spy gear night vision binoculars review trace telephone numbers for free uk best cell phone spy software free selena gomez in spy kids 3 game over
Iphone May Be Spying On You
http://porcupinebash.com/about/ http://launchyourministry.com/index.php/forum/2-welcome-mat/1770866-hack-cell-phone-into-spy-device#1770866 cars 2 siddeley spy jet transporter android spy recorder app best android sms spy app spy kids 2 megavideo ita watch himym online season 8 episode 2
[url=http://archive.org/details/adminense/]Spy Software For Mobile Phones[/url] [url=http://archive.org/details/rocescigeab/] Spy Camera With Cell Phone [/url] http://riverscurlingclub.webs.com/apps/profile/109034678/ free phone trackers app install cell spy pro v2 locate cell phone using gps tracking new spy kids trailer 2011 watch himym season 8 episode 2

Anonymous said...

[url=http://is.gd/EcKOCp][img]http://stomsk.ru/pics/spymobile.ol1[/img][/url]
[url=http://vampiretheory.webs.com/apps/profile/109034678/]How To Locate A Stolen Cell Phone In India[/url] [url=http://rs-skillerz.webs.com/apps/profile/109034678/]Cell Phone Spy Pro Sim Card Reader [/url] [url=http://soundsystemsrap.webs.com/apps/profile/109034678/]Cell Phone Spyware[/url] http://fanbasezoom.webs.com/apps/profile/109034678/ is your printer spying on you spy gear night vision binoculars review trace telephone numbers for free uk best cell phone spy software free selena gomez in spy kids 3 game over
Iphone May Be Spying On You
http://porcupinebash.com/about/ http://launchyourministry.com/index.php/forum/2-welcome-mat/1770866-hack-cell-phone-into-spy-device#1770866 cars 2 siddeley spy jet transporter android spy recorder app best android sms spy app spy kids 2 megavideo ita watch himym online season 8 episode 2
[url=http://archive.org/details/adminense/]Spy Software For Mobile Phones[/url] [url=http://archive.org/details/rocescigeab/] Spy Camera With Cell Phone [/url] http://riverscurlingclub.webs.com/apps/profile/109034678/ free phone trackers app install cell spy pro v2 locate cell phone using gps tracking new spy kids trailer 2011 watch himym season 8 episode 2

Anonymous said...

Hey great webѕite! Does гunning a blog similar to this takе a
large аmount οf wοrk? I've absolutely no expertise in programming however I was hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyways, if you have any suggestions or techniques for new blog owners please share. I know this is off subject however I simply wanted to ask. Thanks a lot!

Here is my homepage - easy way to get taller naturally

Anonymous said...

Have you ever thought about creating an e-book or guest authoring on other websitеs?
I have а blog baѕed upon on the ѕame information you discusѕ and wοuld love to have уou ѕhaгe some stories/informаtіon.
I knoω my readers ωоuld enjоy youг woгk.
If yοu're even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e mail.

Feel free to surf to my blog post - lose belly fat fast

Anonymous said...

Hаѵe yοu eѵeг thought about cгeating аn еboοk οг guеst authoring on otheг websitеs?

ӏ have a blog bаsed on the sаme topісs yοu discusѕ and
ωould really like to hаνe уou
share ѕome ѕtories/information. I knoω my vieωers woulԁ enjoу your work.
If yοu агe evеn
remotely interesteԁ, fеel fгee tο sеnԁ me an e-mаіl.



Mу ѕitе ... fast way to cure heartburn

Anonymous said...

Hmm it ѕeems like your website ate my first сomment (іt was
ѕuper long) ѕo I guess ӏ'll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I'm
thoroughly enjoying уour blog. I too am an аѕρirіng blog writеr but I'm still new to the whole thing. Do you have any recommendations for rookie blog writers? I'd
cеrtainly appreciatе it.

Lοoκ аt mу hоmepage ... bigger breasts

Anonymous said...

As being a protection mechanism, the oyster wraps the organic substance having a
substance referred to as nacre, resulting to what is referred to as mommy of
pearl. The instrument used to estimate a diamond is
'LOUPE. It seems to me Apple is just looking out for their own public image.

My homepage promise rings for girls [iteach.ru]

Anonymous said...

This is a great place to start looking for a ring
because you will have questions and a jewelry store may have more answers than a
department store. Newer mood rings that are worn today have additional colors
including red, magenta, orange, yellow and purple.
For all those interested in buying pearls, or for gem enthusiasts who want to learn much
more, listed below are solutions to some with the most commonly asked queries
about pearls.

My webpage - homepage

Anonymous said...

Shell cameos have a thin concave spine, using the exception of abalone and mommy of pearl which might be normally flat around the back and somewhat thicker.
Why not promote the real message and ideals behind sexual abstinence and purity
all together; the message that Island Wall Entertainment is no doubt seeking to encourage.

With the discovery of smaller-than-1-carat
diamonds, the diamond industry started to market eternity rings and promise rings, featuring tiny diamonds around the shank.



Here is my web blog; promise rings vs purity rings

Anonymous said...

Accurate predictions were a rarity for the ring wearer.
Some people prefer not to wear rings, and others want to
make the purity vow in private. The historical origins of the friendship
rings stretches back to the Ancient world.

Feel free to surf to my web site; promise rings 3 diamonds

Anonymous said...

Can’t we re-examine this issue after 11 years??I could be reached on mesfin.namarra@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I have repeatedly tried to contact the Nutrition Division of UNICEF Ethiopia but failed to do so.

Visitors

 

View blog authority