On Giving Tuesday, thank you to our donors

Salt iodization has changed the world for the better. The simple process of adding tiny amounts of iodine to salt for human and animal consumption is protecting hundreds of millions of people from brain impairment due to iodine deficiency.

Nowadays we seldom see the more severe effects of iodine deficiency – goitres and more devastating conditions such as cretinism – that were once common. Even mild deficiency is less of a problem in many countries, helping children to learn and contribute fully to the economic development of their communities and nations.

Many people and organizations have contributed to this success. Not only governments and industry, but also civil society organizations, who raised awareness and funding for iodization programs. Kiwanis International, for example, provided early, steadfast and significant support and still does today.

But out of sight can mean out of mind, and in a world of competing priorities, it’s more important than ever to ensure that salt iodizaton is sustained and that we don’t undo the progress we have made.

We want to thank all our donors for their continued support for a world free of iodine deficiency, and to let you know that we use your contribution wisely. We don’t have physical offices, so our administrative costs are low. We are a tightly knit team of dedicated professionals who want to make a difference. You help us to do that every day, allowing us to to remain watchful to ensure salt is iodized for ever, and to reach countries, regions and communities that are still affected.

When you donate to us, whether through a donor platform such as The Life You Can Save or GiveWell, or through organizations such as Founders Pledge, Effective Altruism, Kiwanis International or the Giselle Foundation, you’re putting your faith in something intangible. But even small amounts make a difference, and there are many real successes to share:

• In Madagascar, IGN helped revive salt iodization, which had dropped dramatically during a period of instability, with 42% of salt now containing iodine compared with 21% in 2016. Further improvements are expected in the coming months.
• In Bangladesh, together with partners, we supported a situation analysis that led to a revision of the national salt iodization law, which now mandates use of iodized salt in processed foods and strengthens monitoring and enforcement.
• In West Africa, IGN’s work has helped regenerate enthusiasm through a new approach – a focus on improving iodization of salt from the region’s main producers, Ghana and Senegal. In Togo, border monitoring was strengthened to stop non-iodized salt from coming in undetected.

Beyond the home, iodized salt can be consumed through processed foods such as bread or bouillon cubes if it is used during production. IGN has conducted analyses in several countries that show that not all these products use iodized salt, highlighting major untapped potential to prevent deficiency among hard-to-reach populations.

We are very grateful to you all.

Werner Schultink
Executive Director, and the IGN team