The WHO Global Database on iodine deficiency disorders: the importance of monitoring iodine nutrition

Maria Andersson,Bahi Takkouche,Ines Egli,Bruno De Benoist

doi:10.3402/fnr.v47i4.1488

Abstract

Iodine deficiency is the leading cause of preventable brain damage in childhood. Iodine nutrition has improved worldwide during the last decade due to the existence of cost-effective prevention measures such as iodization of salt. In all countries with a previous history of iodine deficiency regular monitoring of iodine nutrition is important to ensure effective and sustainable control. Country data on urinary iodine and goitre are compiled in the WHO Global Database on iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) to monitor iodine status on a global level. Monitoring and evaluation has improved over the last decade but many countries have still not implemented national monitoring systems. The information available in the database shows that iodine deficiency is still a public health problem in 54 countries. The database intends to draw the attention to iodine deficiency control, to encourage governments and international organizations to strengthen efforts and collaboration s among the partners involved in IDD control, in particular the health authorities and the salt industry and to allow a comparison of iodine status between countries and regions. Keywords: global monitoring; goitre; iodine deficiency disorders; school aged children; urinary iodine

Highlights

Iodine deficiency is a major public health concern throughout the world
Iodine deficiency occurs among populations living in areas where the soil is deprived of iodine, which is the result of past glaciation compounded by the leaching effects of snow, water and heavy rainfall.Under normal conditions, iodine is present in the body in minute amounts, mainly in the thyroid gland, with its major role in the synthesis of thyroid hormones
In 2002, the international community adopted the goal of sustained elimination of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) by the year 2005

Summary

Introduction

Iodine deficiency is a major public health concern throughout the world. The main factor responsible for iodine deficiency is a low dietary supply of iodine [1]. It should multidisciplinary, involving the relevant fields of nutrition, medicine, education, the salt industry, the media, and consumers, with a chairman appointed by the Minister of Health / Evidence of political commitment to USI and elimination of IDD / Appointment of a responsible executive officer for the IDD elimination program / Legislation or regulations on USI / Commitment to regular of progress in IDD elimination, with access to laboratories able to provide accurate data on salt and urinary iodine / A program of public education and social mobilization on the importance of IDD and the consumption of iodized salt / Regular data on iodized salt at the factory, retail and household levels / Regular laboratory data on urinary iodine in school-aged children, with appropriate sampling for higher risk areas / Co-operation from the salt industry in maintenance of quality control / A database for recording of results or regular monitoring procedures for salt iodine, urinary iodine and, if available, neonatal

Results

Conclusion