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Review
. 2015 Oct;11(4):483-96.
doi: 10.1111/mcn.12044. Epub 2013 Jun 18.

Towards universal salt iodisation in India: achievements, challenges and future actions

Jee H Rah  1 , Ansari M Anas  2 , Arijit Chakrabarty  3 , Rajan Sankar  3 , Chandrakant S Pandav  4 , Victor M Aguayo  1
Affiliations
Review

Towards universal salt iodisation in India: achievements, challenges and future actions

Jee H Rah et al. Matern Child Nutr. 2015 Oct.

Abstract

India is one of the first countries to introduce salt iodisation, but the national programme has experienced major setbacks. The purpose of this paper is to review the national efforts towards universal salt iodisation (USI) in India and highlight key challenges in programme implementation. A brief historical overview of the salt iodisation programme is provided and the current status of the household usage of iodised salt and population iodine status is described. The present status of the USI programme together with the challenges being faced towards achieving USI are classified in five categories, which represent the five guiding principles crucial to sustained USI programme success: ensuring political commitment, forming partnerships and coalition, ensuring availability of adequately iodised salt, strengthening the monitoring system and maintaining continuous advocacy, education and communication. A future agenda towards the achievement of USI is also proposed.

Keywords: India; iodine deficiency disorders (IDD); universal salt iodisation (USI).

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Percentage of households using adequately iodised salt* by state in 2009. *Adequately iodised salt contains ≥15 ppm iodine.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Percentage of households using adequately iodised salt* by state in 2005–2006 vs. 2009. *Adequately iodised salt contains ≥15 ppm iodine.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Percentage of households using adequately iodised salt* in urban and rural areas in 2005–2006 and 2009. *Adequately iodised salt contains ≥15 ppm iodine.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Percentage of households using adequately iodised salt* by household wealth index in 2005–2006 and 2009. *Adequately iodised salt contains ≥15 ppm iodine.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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