Population

Population:   31.7 million
Population growth rate: 1.71%
Population < 15 years:  34.2%
Birth rate:  22.7 per 1000
Life expectancy at birth:  70.0 years
Infant mortality:  40.6 per 1000

Prevalence of Goiter/ UIE

Median urinary iodine: 347 mcg/L (1996). 1992 National prevalence survey conducted by the government. Small studies in North and Northeast (Messelmoun & Takana) noted TGR prevalence above 50% and some cases of cretinism. A national survey of schoolchildren in 1993 gave a TGR of 8.%. Follow-up of endemic regions, 1995-96, showed 48% prevalence compared with previous 60%.

Urinary iodine of previous endemic area, 1995-96 show 347 mcg/L.

Iodized salt Coverage

Household iodized salt use:   68% (2000)

Salt Situation Analysis

Production

Algeria produces approximately 140,000 metric tons of food-grade salt, of which some quantities are exported. It is estimated that 96.5 per cent of all food-grade salt (from all sources) is iodized. Most of the salt produced is of good quality, notably that produced by Government salt factory ENASEL (l'Entreprise Nationale de Sel) . Salt produced by private producers in Still and Hamraya is adequately iodized, but does not meet the standards set by the Decree. There are still some problems with the distribution and marketing of salt, especially salt produced by private producers which is cheaper than the salt produced by ENASEL. In addition, some quantities of non-iodized salt continue to be imported from Spain . The recommendation is that private producers should be assisted in improving the quality of their salt, monitoring systems be strengthened and the Decree be enforced, particularly with respect to imported salt.

Consumption

• Estimated daily per capita salt consumption: 6-10
• Estimated % of all salt consumed by people which is adequately iodized (household level):   68% reported by UNICEF/MICS in 2000; 92% reported in 1999
  

Iodine Procurement and Utilization

KIO3, 30-50 ppm.

Universal Salt Iodization Program

Information, Education, Communication (IEC) Activities

Plans listed in 1997 included required teaching in universities on iodine deficiency, seminars on micronutrient deficiencies in the five health regions of the country for administrators and medical and paramedical personnel, and seminars on salt quality control. Standards for salt were being developed and control procedures put in place in laboratories. Satellite programs include assessment of hyperthyroidism and iodine prophylaxis.  Program was successful several years ago; information needs updating.

Legislation

• Legislation: Yes
• Legislation for Animals: No
• Year Enacted: 1967

Program Monitoring and Evaluation

MOH, National IDD Commission are responsible but no recent information; capacity for UI and salt monitoring exists.

Other Interventions

Oral iodized oil to 800 children; 6-15 yrs and females 15-45 yrs living in Kabylia; also research study comparing different doses and routes (Benmiloud et al., 1994)

Key Lessons Learned

Challenges and Constraints

Future Plans for Sustained IDD Elimination

Sources:

IDD NL 16(2):25, 2000