A recent study by Apang Sarokar Sangh and International Nepal Fellowship, an International Non Governmental Organisation (INGO)  in Nisikhola-4, 5 and 6 of Baglung district, shows 277 people with congenital disabilities due to lack of iodine. 

The study reveals 75 percent of people found with congenital disabilities consume non-iodised salt. A CBR expert Surya Bahadur Kunwar said those people were found consuming non-iodised salt. “Due to the reason, they are living with disabilities,” he said. 

Harkaman Budha, a local man of Nisikhola-5, said he has not listened to the information of consuming iodised salt. “We have been consuming non-iodised salt for a long time,” he said.  

Apang Sarokar Sangh Programme Co-ordinator Ram Prasad Ghimire said people found with congenital disabilities live with great difficulties. “As most of them belong to impoverished families, they don’t have money for medical treatment,” he said. 

Baglung Salt Trading Corporation Chief Manoj Shrestha said they are unable to transport iodised salt in Nisikhola via dealers. “There’s only one dealer in Burtibang. I will try to know how the dealer is selling the iodised salt,” he said, admitting they are unable to conduct awareness programmes in Nisikhola.