Iodine deficiency threatens populace

SURABAYA: Minister of Health Sujudi said iodine deficiency threatens 30 million people in 26 provinces with the dwarf syndrome and goiter.

"The government will cooperate with private companies and cooperatives to distributing iodized salt," Sujudi said as quoted by the Antara news agency.

The most susceptible areas for the diseases, Sujudi said, are the highlands of East Java, Central Java and Kalimantan.

Iodine deficiency can also cause mental retardation, Sujudi said. (prs)