Sustaining Iodine Sufficiency in Turkmenistan: A Story of Continuing Partnership between Government and UNICEF
During April-May this year, Ministry of Health and Medical Industry and UNICEF are monitoring the iodized salt production and availability on the markets across the country. UNICEF provided salt test kits to the State Sanitary Epidemiological Service to support salt iodization monitoring system, which allow to conduct rapid and effective salt testing on the spots.
Iodization is the process of fortifying salt for human consumption with iodine and is an effective strategy to increase iodine intake at the population level and prevent Iodine Deficiency Disorders. Iodine is beneficial for the health of people, and it is essential for healthy development of young children. Iodine deficiency can negatively affect women's and children’s health, economic productivity, and quality of life. It is especially damaging during the early stages of pregnancy and in early childhood.
In Balkan velayat, the team visited the Guvlyduz salt plant which produces salt for the needs of the whole population of Turkmenistan. The monitoring team observed the entire process starting with the salt extraction from the lake to its purification, iodization, lab quality control, and packaging. The management of the plant and staff understand the benefits of salt iodization for the health of the population and are committed to continue the production of iodized salt to meet the needs of the country.
As part of the joint MoHMI and UNICEF monitoring, the team also visited the Sanitary and Epidemiological Service in Turkmenbashy city which conducts monthly iodization tests of salt available on the market and at the production plant. Salt monitoring helps to formulate recommendations to strengthen surveillance system, to maintain quality standards of salt iodization, and to identify the information needs for the suppliers and population.
“UNICEF has been supporting salt iodization programme since 1996 and we are happy to see the continuation of our collaboration with MoHMI in this area to ensure that children and families have the optimum level of iodine consumption for their health and development. Our fruitful collaboration will support to maintain the Universal Salt Iodization status of the country”, said UNICEF Deputy Representative in Turkmenistan Alexandru Nartea.
ORIENT news
