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Monitoring Universal Salt Iodization Programs Kevin M. Sullivan, Robin Houston, Jonathan Gorstein, and Jenny Cervinskas, Editors.  MI/PAMM/ICCIDD, Ottawa; 1995.

"The world is on the threshold of a major breakthrough in the elimination of iodine deficiencies. Over the past decade, nations have recognized that iodine deficiency is the leading cause of intellectual impairment, and that investment in economic development and education will not achieve the desired goals unless the problem is addressed. Over 100 countries are now making a concerted effort to iodize all salt meant for human and animal consumption.

However, salt iodization is not simply a matter of passing legislation or persuading salt producers to iodize their salt. Iodine is volatile in all forms. Poor quality control during production, transportation and storage can prevent adequately iodized salt from reaching the consumer. It is equally important to foster a preference for iodized salt at the household level. A national program to eliminate iodine deficiency diseases (IDD) must therefore include an educational component, a well-designed intervention and an overall system of quality control.

Responsibility for providing a quality product rests with the private sector in most countries. The role of government is to develop the guidelines and the regulatory environment in which the private sector operates. This manual clearly sets down what information is needed from whom at each level of the salt supply system, in order to ensure that all parties -- government, private sector and communities -- are fulfilling their responsibility. It will provide managers of national IDD elimination programs and others involved with salt iodization with valuable guidelines for establishing a successful salt monitoring system. Proper monitoring of the system, followed by appropriate action to remedy problems, will not only have a positive impact on national health and development. It will also contribute to the elimination of IDD worldwide -- a monumental achievement for humankind."

Publication information and ordering instructions are available through the International Development Research Council (www.idrc.ca).

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