|
Current Iodine Deficiency Disorder Situation
Population
Population: 4.3 million
Population growth rate: 3.84%
Population < 15 years: 42.8%
Birth rate: 42.5 per 1000
Life expectancy at birth: 56.2 years
Infant mortality: 75.1 per 1000
Prevalence of Goiter/ UIE
Median urinary iodine: >100 mcg/L. In 1993-94, a National IDD Survey by MOH. The prevalence of TGR was 22%, ranging from 4% in Dankalia Province to 55% in Akele-Guzay province. The survey showed the highest prevalence in the mountains and the lowest TGR along coastal areas.
In a sub-sample for urinary iodine: 36% of children < 20 mcg/L, 25% 20-49 mcg/L, 22% 50-99 mcg/L and 17% above 100 mcg/L.
A summary in 2000 stated that UI > 100 mcg/L, details not known. The country lacks recent information on urinary iodines or other markers of iodine nutrition.
Iodized salt Coverage
Household iodized salt use: 97% (1999)
Salt Situation Analysis Production
In 1995, the Minister of Trade and Industry formally inaugurated the public and private salt facilities in Assab. The salt industry at Assab now has a combined estimated capacity to iodize 300,000 metric tons of salt annually. In Massawa, the Regional Governor inaugurated the public salt plant which has a capacity to iodize up to 100,000 metric tons of salt per year. All salt produced by the public works is iodized (2001). Small-scale private salt producers still need support. Plans are underway for meetings of salt traders in the country's regions.
Consumption
- Estimated daily per capita salt consumption: 10
- Estimated % of all salt consumed by people which is adequately iodized (household level): 80%
Iodine Procurement and Utilization
KIO3, 100 ppm
Universal Salt Iodization Program
Information, Education, Communication (IEC) Activities
Legislation
- Legislation: In process, still not passed by 2001
- Legislation for Animals: in process
- Year Enacted: n/a
Program Monitoring and Evaluation
Ministry of Health; IDD Task Force, with subcommittees on legislation, IEC, monitoring/quality control, and trade/industry.
A 2001 summary states iodine monitoring labs operating, details not known.
Other Interventions
None
Key Lessons Learned
Challenges and Constraints
Future Plans for Sustained IDD Elimination IDD is no longer considered a major problem and virtual elimination is expected soon. Virtually all salt consumed is iodized.
Sources:
IDD NL 17(2):26, 2001
IDD NL 13(2):20, 1997 and country paper for Harare conference (4/96)
IDD NL 12(1):10, 1996
IDD NL 10(3):30, 1994
|
