South Asia

The region’s eight countries have adequate iodine status at national level, but pockets of deficiency remain among some vulnerable populations and in specific geographic regions.

IGN has conducted landscape analyses for all countries and is working with them to develop action plans to sustain universal salt iodization. Research in ante-natal clinics in Sri Lanka was initiated to determine urinary iodine status among pregnant women through routine surveillance, in order to identify an easy and cost-effective system to monitor iodine status of pregnant women.

IGN aims to facilitate improved dialogue between the ministries of health and trade, explore innovative monitoring options, and promote the use of iodized salt in processed foods and engagement in salt reduction strategies.

Check out the iodine status of countries in the South Asia region.