TITLE:
Iodine deficiency and women’s health: Colonialism’s malign effect on health in Oromia region, in Ethiopia
AUTHORS:
Begna Dugassa
KEYWORDS:
Iodine Deficiency Disorders; Women’s Reproductive Health; Capacity Building; Gender Equity; Health in Oromia; Ethiopia; Colonialism and Public Health
JOURNAL NAME:
Health,
Vol.5 No.5,
May
27,
2013
ABSTRACT: Objectives: Iodine is an essential
nutrient needed for
the synthesis of hormone thyroxin. Hormone thyroxin is involved in the metabolism
of several nutrients, the regulation of enzymes and differentiation of cells,
tissues and organs. Iodine deficiency (ID) impairs the development of the brain
and nervous system. It affects cognitive capacity, educability, productivity
and child mortality. ID hinders physical strength and causes reproductive failure. The objective of this paper is to explore if the
health impacts of ID are more common and severe among women. Design:
Using primary data (notes from a visit) and secondary data, this paper
examines if the effects of ID are more common and severe among Oromo women inEthiopia.
Findings:
The health impacts of ID are more common and severe among women. Conclusions: ID is an easily preventable nutritional
problem. In Oromia, the persistence of ID is explained by the Ethiopian government’s colonial social policies. Preventing ID should be seen as part
of the efforts we make to enhance
capacity building, promote health, gender equity and social justice. Implications:
Iodine deficiency has a wide range of biological, social, economic and
cultural impacts. Preventing ID can be
instrumental in bringing about gender equity and building the capacity of people.