Message-ID: <s1b2f5a0.037@jsi.com> Date: Mon, 3 Jun 1996 14:21:25 -0400 From: Project Omni <mailto:omni_project@JSI.COM> Subject: UNIVERSAL SALT IODIZATION PRESENTED AT ALL AFRICA CONFERENCE To: Multiple recipients of list DEVEL-L <mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU>
******OMNI NEWS FLASH********OMNI NEWS FLASH*******OMNI NEWS ************************************************************************************** ************************************************************************************* UNIVERSAL SALT IODIZATION PRESENTED AT ALL AFRICA CONFERENCE *************************************************************************************** ***************************************************************************************Considerable progress has been made in achieving Universal Salt Iodization in Africa, according to the evidence presented at a recent Joint ICCIDD/UNICEF/WHO sponsored Conference in Zimbabwe. The Conference on the Sustainable Elimination of Iodine Deficiency Disorders in Africa by the Year 2000 was hosted by the Government of Zimbabwe April 22-24. The purpose of the three-day conference was to report on progress and exchange experiences of programs for the elimination of IDD in Africa among the officials responsible for national IDD programs and international experts, in order to accelerate achievement of the global goal of virtual elimination of IDD by the year 2000. More than 200 delegates from 37 African countries participated in the conference, including salt producers and traders, government officials serving industry, trade and business, and public health professionals.
With minor exceptions, all countries reported considerable achievements in the implementation of Universal Salt Iodization (USI). Most countries have either passed or are in the process of developing legislation for iodized salt. Throughout the continent, resources have been invested in the capacity to iodize salt produced in large and medium-sized salt factories, and in some instances (Tanzania, Ghana, Mozambique and Senegal) notable progress is also being made with equipping small-scale producers. In countries that depend upon imports, salt traders have been convinced to specify adequately iodized salt at importation, combined with the introduction of mechanisms to assure imports through regulation and quality control. Monitoring efforts by simple testing demonstrate an average of 60-70 percent of salt available at households and retail to be sufficiently iodized. Assessments of outcomes from increased availability of iodized salt in selected countries demonstrate significant decreases in goiter rates as compared to similar previous surveys.
The next step in most countries will be to establish and strengthen monitoring systems capable of capturing both the penetration in populations of adequately iodized salt as well as the outcome in terms of reduced IDD prevalence. Recently published data of a relatively few number of iodine- induced thyrotoxicosis cases in Zaire and Zimbabwe were considered insufficient to warrant a change in USI policy in Africa.
Conference participants agreed on priorities for the future. The Conference resulted in broad consensus that priority should now be given to strengthening the capacity to manage enforcement, monitor program application and outcomes, sustain advocacy at all levels, reinforce consumer demand, and collect information for decision-making.
Frits van der Haar of OMNI Partner PAMM represented OMNI at the conference and gave introductory remarks to working groups on Monitoring, Evaluation and Training in the context of national programs for elimination of IDD.
***************************************************************************** OPPORTUNITIES FOR MICRONUTRIENT INTERVENTIONS (OMNI) is funded by the Office of Health and Nutrition of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Washington, D.C. and managed by John Snow, Inc. OMNI's mission is accomplished by developing integrated, comprehensive programs and strategies to reduce and eliminate major micronutrient deficiencies throughout the developing world. Participating countries are based on their micronutrient malnutrition problems, commitment by local officials (public and private) to micronutrient activities, and their capacity to achieve and sustain a demonstrable impact.
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