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UNICEF-GAIN USI Partnership Project
Intensification of Business-Oriented Approaches
towards the
Global Elimination of Iodine Deficiency through Universal Salt Iodization
Overview:
Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) continue to threaten the health and well being of populations in many developing countries and remain the world’s leading causes of preventable mental retardation. Universal Salt Iodization (USI) is recognized as the most cost-effective strategy to prevent and control iodine deficiency disorders. Over the past 15 years considerable progress has been made in implementing USI programs and this has resulted in nearly 70% of households in developing countries using iodized salt. These levels of iodized salt coverage have led to reductions in iodine deficiency as indicated by decreases in the prevalence of goiter and improvements in urinary iodine concentrations.
GAIN and UNICEF have formed the USI Partnership project through received funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF). The aim of this project is to support countries in strengthening salt iodization efforts, increasing coverage, and assuring program sustainability in 13 target countries (see below). In order to achieve this, the following four complementary program components namely,
The goal of the USI Project will be realized through four complementary program components, including:
Supply : |
Program efforts towards ensuring access and availability of adequately iodized edible salt to all segments of populations with emphasis on sustainability. |
Demand : |
Increased awareness of the importance of iodized salt among consumers including the food industry, retailers and individuals, will increase and stabilize a demand for iodized salt to ensure a consistent market. |
Advocacy : |
Achieving political support for salt iodization at various levels is a key factor in reaching and sustaining salt iodization programs. |
Evidence and Results : |
Strengthening the capacity to implement robust public health M&E to track progress towards USI, identify constraints to take corrective action, and ultimately to verify the elimination of IDD. |
List of Countries included in USI Partnership Project
Bangladesh |
China |
Egypt |
Ethiopia |
Ghana |
India |
Indonesia |
Niger |
Pakistan |
Philippines |
Russia |
Senegal |
Ukraine |