Targeting Xinjiang:
According to the People's Daily online, the Chinese government is implementing a USD 2.6 million program to halt iodine deficiency in the Xinjiang area. 30 of Xinjiang's prefectures have significant populations suffering from iodine-deficiency diseases. The program will provide 5 yuan per person to equalize the costs between iodized salt and black market salt.
Iodine deficiency most famously causes goiter, a swelling of the throat, because iodine is necessary for thyroid gland function. Under a lack of iodine, the thyroid gland enlarges to compensate for inefficient function.
Iodine deficiency also causes miscarriages during pregnancy. Mothers who suffer lack proper iodine nutrition and who carry a baby to term produce infants with iodine deficiency. Iodine deficiency has also been linked to intelligence, with iodine-deprived people scoring 10 to 12 points lower on IQ tests. According to UNICEF, iodine-deficiency is the leading cause of preventable mental retardation and inadequate child motor skills. UNICEF's 1990 goal was to create universal salt iodization by 2005. In the early 1990's, only 20% of the world's households consumed iodized salt; by 2004, 69% of world households were consuming iodine. Deficiencies are most marked in Former Soviet states and Eastern Europe, at about 47%.
However, many people unfamiliar with the need for iodine are distrustful of its addition to their food. It only costs USD 1.15 per ton of salt to add sufficient potassium iodide, but the public relations effort to combat this distrust takes far more effort.
Kazakhstan's Success:
In Kazakhstan, a successful program to bring iodine nutritional awareness was detailed in a delightful article in the New York Times earlier this year. In 1999, only 29% of Kazakhstan's households were consuming iodized salt; that number has jumped to 94%.
This article is well worth a read–it presents not just a challenge, but how it is being met by many thoughtful people.
Photos: FAQ.com
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