Population

Population: 7.8 million
Population growth rate: 0.38%
Population < 15 years: 28.3%
Birth rate: 18.8 per 1000
Life expectancy at birth: 63.0 years
Infant mortality: 82.7 per 1000

Prevalence of Goiter/ UIE

Median urinary iodine: 54 mcg/L (2000) A survey of schoolchildren in 2000 showed a goiter rate up to 84% and a median urinary iodine of 54 mcg/, with even lower levels (25-39 mcg/L) in the mountainous regions.

Iodized salt Coverage

Household iodized salt use: 80% (2002)

Salt Situation Analysis

Production

The country has salt resources, but processing facilities are in disrepair, although may be re-emerging. Currently, most is imported from Ukraine , Russia , Iran , and Turkey .

Consumption

Estimated daily consumption: 41% (2000), estimated 80% (2002)

Iodine Procurement and Utilization

iodized with KIO3 at 40 ppm (2001).

Universal Salt Iodization Program

Information, Education, Communication (IEC) Activities

Legislation

Law passed in 2001, states that "import, sale, and production of noniodized salt for nutrition and fodder purposes to the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan shall be prohibited."

The government is highly committed to IDD elimination through USI. An intensive program in the past several years has been effective. UNICEF and Kiwanis have been major contributors.

Program Monitoring and Evaluation

A National Interagency Committee on IDD/USI exists and coordinates efforts with regional partners. The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education have been involved. The program has many components, including advocacy, laboratory training, regular meetings with salt producers, use of rapid test kits, and salt monitoring labs.

Other Interventions

Iodized oil has been used in mountainous areas.

Key Lessons Learned

Challenges and Constraints

Future Plans for Sustained IDD Elimination

Sources:

IDD NL 18(3):33, 2002