IDD Elimination Programme: KEY elements for developing a National Plan of Action

IDD Programme Action Components Communications High-level Advocacy Strategic Mobilization Consumer Education Salt Iodization QA of Production/Import Packaging & labeling Marketing Retailing Sales Data/Information Legislation/Regulation Standards & Inspection Supply Practices Impact Assessment National Benefits Leadership Work by Coalition Training & Finance Public Reporting National Oversight

Main Acting Partners: Consumers Accept only iodized salt Insist on national oversight Producers/Importers Supply only iodized salt Insist on level playing field Public Officials Apply the law equitably Insist on permanent quality USI

Public Officials Achievements Recognition of problem Program formulated IDD “un-medicalized” Focus on Intelligence National Coalition formed Salt importers involved Lead QC role by NCPM IDD featured in National Nutrition Conference Separate salt coding on imports Next needs Scheduling meetings of Natl Coordination Council Details of the NPA Strengthen political will for –USI legislation –Adequate financing –Assuring responsibilities and roles of all Partners Involving other Government entities beyond MOH

Salt Import Firms Achievements Importers association Lead QA role: Quality of iodized salt supply is good: 82.6% >25ppm IS import clearance procedure is timely Price is no obstacle Know their customers in food processing industry Challenges Assuring that entire national requirement of household salt is iodized Addressing continued import of non-iodized salt Addressing the continued repacking of bulk non- iodized salt Ensuring that all edible salt imports are checked

Customers/Consumers Achievements No public objections to iodized HH/table salt Nation-wide “Iodized School Class” 2004 Importers association works with food industry Canning industries have started experimenting Communications campaign ongoing Interactions with food processing industries Challenges Accepting iodized salt in home pickling Promoting iodized salt to bread bakeries and cheese manufacturing industry Mobilizing acceptance in animal husbandry Addressing the overall customer’s and consumer’s preference for non-iodized salt

Supportive Partners: Media Keep public informed of progress Provide quality journalism Agencies Keep Partners to goal achievement Provide global connections Scientists Keep knowledge up-to-date Provide impartial, unbiased advice USI

Steps of a successful IDD Elimination Programme: Situation assessment & needs analysis Joint NPA development & adoption: Goal, Objectives, Outputs, Activities Timelines, Budgets, Reporting o Funding, Implementation, M&E o Verify goal achievement o Ensure permanent progress