Our Response
UNICEF is focusing on prevention. In 2000 it launched a campaign to roll back iodine deficiency disorders, which can hamper a child’s growth and increases the risk of miscarriage. In Soviet times, salt was massively iodized. With the collapse of the system, iodine-free salt became the norm. UNICEF encouraged the government to adopt a law imposing the iodization of salt, which came into effect in 2002. This has contributed to a boost in the quality of salt. Yet, a 2004 study by a leading NGO, the Independent Consumers Union, showed that only 84% was properly iodized. The remaining 16% was low quality salt lacking the sufficient quantity of iodine. Since 2002, UNICEF has been distributing vitamin A supplements during routine vaccination. UNICEF is also advocating for the adoption of a law that would oblige flour mills to enrich their flour with iron. This would help combat anaemia among pregnant women, which is widespread. In Azerbaijan, our current priorities are: - Advocacy and technical assistance for the extension of vitamin A supplementation for universal coverage of young children. Our main partners are: The Ministry of Health remains the main implementing partner for the large majority of activities related to health and nutrition. National NGOs, notably the Independent Consumer Union, Independent Tradesman Union, Azerbaijan Women and Development Center and NAYORA are additional implementing partners, particularly in the monitoring activities under the nutrition project. Other major partners include: ADB, IDA and VRF. Action on Primary Health Care Reform: UNICEF has teamed up with the Health Ministry and the World Bank to reform the primary health care system in rural areas. The project's main goal is to reduce child mortality and maternal mortality (the mortality rate of mothers due to childbirth). UNICEF supported the creation of 45 primary health councils -- one per health centre -- whose members are selected by the communities themselves. Much of their work has to do with prevention, and UNICEF is training volunteers who can inform communities on a variety of health issues. Action on Immunization: Following the adoption last year of the National Policy, Vitamin A supplementation is being integrated into the routine immunization services and given to all infants and new mothers and to children at the age of 12 months, 18 months and 6 years. A National Decree on the supplementation of vitamin A has been developed and endorsed. Efforts to strengthen and sustain the Expanded Programme of Immunization in the country have resulted in the drawing up of a five year EPI plan, adjustment of the health sector plan and the updating of the multi-year immunization plan. Action on IDD/USI: The elimination of IDD has been further advocated and assistance provided toward the monitoring of the production and consumption of iodized salt. According to latest monitoring data from NGOs the consumption of iodized salt in households increased from 70% in 2003 to 84% in 2004. However, data from production sites and retailing show that up to half of the total samples do not contain adequate iodine. A Draft Monitoring Framework on the quality of iodized salt was also developed. Action on Baby-Friendly Hospitals: 67 out of 77 maternity hospitals are officially designated as Baby Friendly and applying the principles of BFHI. More than half of all pregnant women and newborns are now covered by the improved services. Action on IMCI: The community module of the IMCI training package has been adapted and tested with 100 providers in seven districts trained and competent to apply new knowledge and skills. Educational materials for mothers was also developed and distributed. Action on Breast Feeding: Significant progress was made during the reporting period to improve the nutritional status of children, with capacities to implement the principles of BFHI significantly strengthened in the wake of the 2003 adoption of the National Law on Monitoring of International Code on Breast-milk Substitutes.
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