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Current Iodine Deficiency Disorder Situation
Population
Population: 16.7 million
Population growth rate: 0.1%
Population < 15 years: 26 %
Birth rate: 17.8 per 1000
Life expectancy at birth: 63.4 years
Infant mortality: 59.0 per 1000
Prevalence of Goiter/ UIE
Median urinary iodine: < 100 mcg/L in 65% (1999). Of 494 urine samples in 1999, 65% were below 100 mcg/L
A 1993 survey in Markakol and Katon-Karagay districts on more than 300 children aged 9-12 found UI of 32-70 mcg/L and a goiter prevalence of 63-92%. Another survey conducted in 441 widely distributed settlements (271,831 persons) throughout country identified three distinct areas of IDD severity. Highest risk areas include Karatau mountains and foothills, Western spurs of Talas and Kirghiz , Zailiysjy, Dzhungarsky Alatau. Study showing increased abortions and pregnancy complications in goitrous women (IDD NL 12(4):66, November 1996).
Iodized salt Coverage
Household iodized salt use: 29%
Salt Situation Analysis Production
Salt is produced locally (110,000 tons in 1999) by two plants. Import of salt is small, mainly from Russia . In 2000, the two major salt plants produced 82,440 tons of salt, of which 37,560 were of edible salt, and 87.4% of this was iodized. However, noniodized salt still reaches the country from importation and from small salt producers.
Some salt is repackaged by small producers.
Consumption
Twenty-nine percent of households consume iodized salt (MICS, 1999). In the most iodine-deficient areas in the east and south in 1999, only about 22% of households consumed iodized salt.
Iodine Procurement and Utilization
Salt is iodized with KI03 at 40 ± 15 ppm.
Universal Salt Iodization Program
Information, Education, Communication (IEC) Activities
The Institute of Nutrition coordinates the iodine deficiency control program. It has worked with salt producers to promote USI. The Institute also is active in disseminating information to various sectors and the public at large.
Legislation
A draft resolution and national program are under consideration by the government. Meanwhile, a resolution of the State Chief Sanitary Inspector has been approved, and states that only iodized salt can be produced and traded, and sale of noniodized salt is prohibited.
Program Monitoring and Evaluation
A quality control system for iodized salt has been established. A laboratory for urinary iodine monitoring is in place, but needs further support
Other Interventions
In 1993, 6,000 schoolchildren received iodized oil capsules. Some remote regions received iodine tablets ("antistrumin") which contain 1 mg of KI, distributed weekly.
Other efforts have included iodization of yeast for bread. Iodized drinking water has also been developed, extent of its use not certain
Key Lessons Learned
Challenges and Constraints
Future Plans for Sustained IDD Elimination
Sources:
IDD NL 18(3):33, 2002
IDD NL 17(4):61, 2001
IDD NL 16(3):39, 2000
Proc. Joint Workshop, Ashkabad, 6/94; IDD NL 8(1):5, February 1992; IDD NL 10(4):45, November 1994; IDD NL 12(4):66, November 1996; IDD NL 13(1):4, February 1997 |
