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Current Iodine Deficiency Disorder Situation
Population
Population: 1.8 million
Population growth rate: 1.38%
Population < 15 years: 42.7%
Birth rate: 34.7 per 1000
Life expectancy at birth: 40.6 years
Infant mortality: 71.7 per 1000
Prevalence of Goiter/ UIE
Median urinary iodine: 113 mcg/L (2000); < 100 mcg/L (1992).
A 1990 prevalence survey showed small sample sizes in survey with wide variances. In children it ranged from 0% in the South to 61.4% in the North. A 1991 study done by the South African Research Institute for Nutrition Diseases showed a goiter prevalence of 34.5% in the Caprivi region.
A 1992 nationwide study of 1830 children age 8-12 y in 19 randomly selected villages showed following for TGR and UI: Caprivi, 55%, 25 mcg/L; Northeast, 25%, 46 mcg/L; Northwest, 15%, 46 mcg/L; South/Central, 2%, 95 mcg/L.
A 2000 table lists UI as 113 mcg/L, further details not available (IDD NL 16:27 , 2000).
Iodized salt Coverage
Household iodized salt use: 63% (2000); > 90% (1999)
Salt Situation Analysis Production
The salt company of Swakopmund produces 90% of the salt consumed in Namibia and is a large exporter to neighbors. There are production sites at Walvis Bay and Port Elizabeth which appear to have large surpluses for export and have proved to be reliable sources of high quality salt for the entire South and Central African region. Salt is sufficiently packaged in plastic bags and bottles. Some locally produced salt may not be iodized.
Approximately 10% of salt consumed in Namibia is imported from South Africa . Of this, about half is iodized, though percent is not specified.
Consumption
- Estimated daily per capita salt consumption: 5
- Estimated % of all salt consumed by people which is adequately iodized (household level): 63%
Iodine Procurement and Utilization
KIO3, 50-80 ppm
Universal Salt Iodization Program
Information, Education, Communication (IEC) Activities
Legislation
- Legislation: Yes.
- Legislation for Animals: No
- Year Enacted: 1994
Program Monitoring and Evaluation
Program for control of IDD managed by Nutrition Unit, Ministry of Health and Social Services. Integrated with other micronutrients. Salt iodine being monitored. Plans reported to set up labs for UI, status uncertain.
Other Interventions
Iodized oil capsules were mentioned as short-term strategy; no further information.
Key Lessons Learned
Challenges and Constraints
Future Plans for Sustained IDD Elimination
Sources:
IDD NL 17(2):27, 2001
IDD NL 16(2):25, 2000
IDD NL 15(2):27, 1999
IDD NL 13(2):22, 1997
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