Addressing the Challenge of Iodine Deficiency in Developing Countries

Abstract

Iodine deficiency causes stunted physical and mental growth as well as infertility, lethargy and cognitive impairment. Although iodine deficiency is endemic in most countries and is therefore a public health issue, it is preventable through adequate intake of iodine in diet. Recent global data estimated that 1.88billion people are at risk of iodine deficiency with 241 million children taking inadequate iodine in diet. Majority of these children with inadequate dietary iodine intake lives in Africa and South/South-East Asia. Gains have been made towards the eradication of iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) through the universal salt iodisation (USI) programme which has ensured greater coverage of iodine intake throughout the world. In developing countries however, the perennial problem of weaker institutions means that much needs to be done if the goal of eradicating IDDs are to be realized. This minireview looks at what steps could be undertaken to maximize the odds of eradicating IDD through food fortification, strengthening of regulatory institutions, empowering small-scale salt manufacturers and conscientization of the populace to patronise not only iodized salt but also iodine-fortified foods.

Behavior change intervention to sustain iodide salt utilization in households in Ethiopia and study of the effect of iodine status on the growth of young children: community trial

“…This intervention helped the intervention group’s children grow and address their related problems. To date, no study has addressed the various aspects of iodized salt intervention monitoring and evaluation systems, which have contributed to the failure of intervention programs for many years ( Choudhry & Nasrullah, 2021 ; Adu & Simpong, 2017 ). These are unlikely to protect young children from iodine-deficiency-related brain impairment.…”