Home | UNICEF in Action | Highlights | Information Resources | Donations, Greeting Cards & Gifts | Press Centre | Voices of Youth | About UNICEF

85 million newborns protected from iodine deficiency

"This is a tremendous accomplishment. It means that children are smarter. It means they are finishing school. It means a world of new opportunities is open to them."

Iodine deficiency affects intelligence and the ability to learn. It is the world's single greatest cause of preventable severe mental retardation.

"Where populations are suffering from iodine deficiency, average intelligence can spiral downwards by approximately 10 IQ points," Ms. Bellamy said. "This has serious implications, not only for individuals, but also for the social and economic development of entire nations."

Ms. Bellamy praised the salt industry for its crucial role in salt iodization and the key partners in the effort -- international agencies, Kiwanis International, donor governments and NGOs.

Ms. Bellamy told the meeting that two major tasks remain to be accomplished: The first is to reach the 30 per cent of the world's population that does not have access to iodized salt. The second is to sustain the progress already achieved.

"In many countries of Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States, iodization rates have dropped dramatically in recent years. This experience has taught us that we cannot be complacent. Iodine deficiency is an ever-present threat to the development of children."

Ms. Bellamy called on the salt industry to support implementation of the iodization legislation -- now on the books in most countries. She urged all producers to help improve the production, quality and availability of iodized salt in the developing world, through such initiatives such as encouraging salt production in developing countries.

Also see:
Ending Iodine deficiency forever: A goal within our grasp

Visit the Kiwanis International Web to read more about iodine deficiency and what Kiwanis and partners are doing to save children and others from disorders due to such deficiency.

Home| UNICEF in Action | Highlights | Information Resources | Donations, Greeting Cards & Gifts | Press Centre | Voices of Youth | About UNICEF