Iodization of water put an end to the high incidence of goitre.
Since a strategy of universal iodization of salt was adopted in 1993, there has been remarkable progress in improving iodine status worldwide.
The success of vitamin A supplementation and salt iodization prove that continued commitment, funding, multi-sectoral integration, collaboration, modernisation and rigorous academic scrutiny can lead to measurable improvements in coverage and, ultimately, to more benefits for the most vulnerable.
The iodization program is relatively inexpensive but must be maintained permanently.
India's salt commissioner, R. Prakash, said iodization adds only a small fraction of a penny to the cost of a pound of salt.
Alas, that's salt iodization!) Pakistan is typical of the challenges.
Other research suggests that salt iodization would yield benefits worth nine times the cost.
Solution / Yearly cost in million USD 1. Micronutrient supplements for children (vitamin A and zinc) / 60 2. The Doha development agenda / 0 3. Micronutrient fortification (iron and salt iodization) / 286 4. Expanded immunization coverage for children / 1,000 5. Biofortification / 60 60
"Before iodization, the children were so dull they couldn't even tell us their names," he said.
Three more iodization plants in northern Afghanistan should be up and running by mid-November, Ms. Assefa said, and there are plans for four more in southern and eastern Afghanistan.
Those on both sides of iodization claim to be the true inheritors of Gandhi's legacy.
