Sentinel sites

While surveys remain the optimal way to assess population iodine status, they are costly and are no longer routinely carried out in many countries. Often these surveys provide a national estimate, but may hide inequities, either between poorer and wealthier population segments, or between geographic areas. So there is a need to find simpler, less expensive methods to make sure that iodine nutrition is adequate.

Using sentinel sites – such as antenatal care clinics or schools, can periodically provide basic coverage information on use of iodized salt and iodine status of small groups. IGN is working to modify a tool used for tracking population status and impact of flour fortification, for use in verifying that salt iodization programs are working well.  We are currently testing it in a number of countries.