Iodine deficiency remains problematic

Goitre caused by iodine deficiency amongst women and children remains highly prevalent in the impoverished Central Asian nation of Tajikistan. The deficiency induces swelling of the thyroid gland in the neck, leading to goitre. In some regions it was estimated that close to 60 percent of children were suffering from goitre. "Iodine deficiency at this stage is not increasing, but remaining steady and is still a problem," Mutribdjon Bakhruddinov, an assistant project officer of nutrition department at the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), told IRIN on Wednesday, from the Tajik capital, Dushanbe. According to the World Health Organistion (WHO), 54 percent of people were found to be suffering from goitre in 2002. It has been found that iodine deficiency is most prevalent in the southern and mountainous areas of Tajikistan. "Rural areas are the worst affected," Bakhruddinov said. However, progress to mitigate the problem is being made. A key area for combating the deficiency is ensuring that iodine is included in diets, which can be achieved by way of the consumption of iodised salts. In an effort to improve the situation, The Iodised Salt Law of the Republic of Tajikistan was approved by the parliament on 2 December 2002. Salt now not only has to be iodised but the trade, marketing, export and import of non-iodised salt is prohibited. This law has been implemented successfully, according to Bakhruddinov. "All salts in the markets are now iodised," he said. There are three major production facilities for iodised salt in Tajikistan, located in different parts of the country. The production of iodised salt is estimated to have increased by 5,000 mt between 2000 and 2001. From 1999 to 2002 the number of households using iodised salt is believed to have doubled. In 1999 only 20 percent of people were consuming iodised salt, whereas in 2002 it was estimated that 56.3 percent of households were using it. A WHO report entitled "Tajikistan Highlights on Health 2000" found that the deficiency was most common among pregnant women and nursing mothers. A foetus which does not receive iodine, can be born with developmental and intellectual problems. Estimates from the World Bank say iodine deficiency combined with a lack of vitamin A and iron can lower the economic wealth of nation by as much as 5 percent each year. The Asian Development Bank (ADB), has also joined UNICEF in raising public awareness. It has funded 28 Tajik NGOs to conduct iodine-deficiency education programmes focusing on improving awareness and knowledge of iodine deficiency amongst high-risk groups. "We are working closely with the Ministry of Health and the ADB on improving the nutritional status of women and children in Tajikistan," Bakhruddinov said.