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Current Iodine Deficiency Disorder Situation
Population
Population: 10.5 million
Population growth rate: 1.5%
Population < 15 years: 44.4%
Birth rate: 37.8 per 1000
Life expectancy at birth: 37.1 years
Infant mortality: 121.1 per 1000
Prevalence of Goiter/ UIE
Median urinary iodine: >100 mcg/L (1996). 1996 goiter prevalence 27%, 59% of UI samples in Lilongwe and C hikwawa were > 100 mcg/L, 17% < 20 mcg/L.
1989 national data from 10 districts (approximately 1/2 of the country) which indicated widely distributed IDD prevalence with severe endemic areas in C hitipa, Karonga, Rumphi, Mzimba, Lilongwe , Mchinji, Dedza, Ntcheu and Mulanje Districts. C retinism rate was 0.45%.
Iodized salt C overage
Household iodized salt use: ~82% (2001). As of 2001, salt consumption at household level was reported at 70-93% of households.
Salt Situation Analysis Production
Most salt imported from Botswana , Mozambique . Presently there are no production facilities. It was planned to create two iodation factories in Blantyre and Lilongwe .
Consumption
- Estimated daily per capita salt consumption: no data
- Estimated % of all salt consumed by people which is adequately iodized (household level): 58%
Iodine Procurement and Utilization
KIO3 at 50-70 ppm, but as of 2001, suppliers were adopting newly recommended subregional level of 40 ± 15 ppm while awaiting approval.
Universal Salt Iodization Program
Information, Education, Communication (IEC) Activities
Legislation
- Legislation: yes
- Legislation for Animals: no data
- Year Enacted: 1995, revised in 1998
Program Monitoring and Evaluation
MOH coordinates most activities. Ministry of Trade is responsible for monitoring salt for iodine content. Salt monitored at production by test kit. C ommunity Health Services conducts some internal quality control. A laboratory for UI existed but not operating.
Monitoring has been intensified, especially at the borders. Laboratories for assessing salt iodine are now working at the border post and the district level. An assessment was being planned for 2001. Need updated information, especially urinary iodine.
Other Interventions
Iodized oil capsules have been distributed to females 0-45 years and males between 0-16 years in the most affected areas (Rumphi, Mzimba, Lilongwe , Mchinji, and Dedza and Ntcheu).
Key Lessons Learned
Challenges and Constraints
Future Plans for Sustained IDD Elimination
Sources:
IDD NL 17(2):27, 2001
IDD NL 15(1):6, 1999 |
