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Challenges and progress towards universal salt iodization (USI) in Ethiopia

The challenges and progress towards USI in Ethiopia were assessed in December, 2010. A qualitative study was conducted among ten key organizations and comments from the key informants are summarized. Salt iodization was first started in1998 and 80% of salt in Ethiopia was iodized. But due to the Ethio‐Eritrean war iodization was not maintained. To meet the needs of the Ethiopian population salt was imported for a short time but was replaced with local production of non‐iodized salt due to the high cost of importation. Local production of non‐iodized salt accounts for 90–95% of the salt supply in the country. Salt iodization was then revitalized in 2004. Accordingly small scale salt iodization was started in Afar region. Although commitment to solve the problem was stronger, lack of technical skills, harsh environmental conditions and instability of the region prevented large scale salt iodization. Hence increased levels of iodine deficiency were reported in a 2005 national survey. At the time of the study 3–5% of salt in the country was iodized (ICCIDD/UNICEF Standards) and the maximum iodization capacity could only meet 30–40% of salt needed by the country. In March, 2011, Ethiopia passed a law that prohibits processing, importing, and sale of non‐iodized salt for human consumption in Ethiopia. Although this is an important step in the right direction, more efforts are needed to successfully implement USI to combat IDD in Ethiopia. (Supported by Hawassa University, Ethiopia)