The problem of iodine deficiency and its solution in the republic of Belarus

Abstract

The problem of iodine deficiency is relevant to the Republic of Belarus. It’s confirmed by virtually commonly found geophysical iodine deficiency in soils and waters. Data on iodine deficiency initiated the development of a state strategy for the elimination of iodine deficiency in the population. This strategy determined the mandatory use of iodized salt only in the country in the food industry and catering as the main event for the elimination of iodine deficiency. The aim of this work was a comprehensive evaluation of the results of the implementation of the strategy for elimination of iodine deficiency among the population of the Republic of Belarus. Medical monitoring of the assessment of the efficacy showed the decrease in the incidence of simple non-toxic goiter in adolescents from 1215,23 per 100,000 population in 1998 to 341,25 in 2013 (3.6 times), and indices ofprimary morbidity rate in children fell by 2.9 times. Over the period from 1998 primary morbidity rate of simple nontoxic goiter decreased significantly in adults from 379.9 to 31,71 people per 100,000 of the population in 2013 respectively (almost 12 times). Data of the assessment of ioduria in Belarus indicate that 89.2% of children enrolled in the study have iodine excretion of more than 100 pg/L. Thus, in the Republic of Belarus there was achieved the level of an adequate intake of iodine with foodstuffs. This model ofprevention of iodine deficiency, as well as the traditional approach based on the adoption of the law, is a versatile and cost-effective mode.