Kazakhstan heads regional network of resource laboratories for iodine

The event was attended by officials of the Kazakhstan Government, representatives of International Organizations (CDC, UNICEF), Kazakh Academy of Nutrition as well as personnel from Laboratories for Iodine located in 15 countries of CEE and CIS region which are now Laboratory-Members of the Regional Network headed by Kazakhstan, the press service of the UNICEF in Kazakhstan reports.

Iodine Laboratory of the Kazakh Academy of Nutrition was selected as the Regional Resource Laboratory by the members of the Coordination Committee under the International Network of Resource Laboratories for Iodine in CEE/CIS. This strategic decision was taken basing on reputation, experience as well as successful participation of the Kazakh Academy of Nutrition in the Programme on quality assurance of analyses.

The goal of the Regional Network in CEE/CIS countries is to reinforce monitoring of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) elimination through USI. The Regional Network will be evaluating iodine sufficiency in the region.

Kazakhstan has a moderate iodine deficiency endemia. However, even a slight iodine deficiency disorders inflicts damage to intellectual and physical state of population. Special reports say the intelligence quotient of each child living in such areas is abated by 10-15 points. Iodine is essential for fetal development and children born to mothers with iodine deficiency might suffer irreversible changes. Pregnant women living in iodine-deficiency areas are at higher risk of lost pregnancy, mortinatality or premature birth. Children can have all or some indicators of USI including growth and development disorders, retardation or cretinism.

President of the Kazakh Academy of Nutrition Professor Sharmanov addressed the audience in his welcome speech at the conference, "Over recent years the Republic of Kazakhstan has attained sizable progress owing to efficient cooperation among the Government, salt producers, NGOs and International Organizations. The Government of Kazakhstan have established best conditions for salt producers with a view to develop and implement regulatory legal framework making for mandatory dietary and fodder salt iodization in the country. The International Organizations rendered their assistance to salt producers in setting the production up and monitoring the iodization. "

The 2007 researches proved that 92 percent of Kazakhstani households consume high quality iodized salt, and Kazakhstan attained Universal Salt Iodization status. It is considered that the iodine deficiency can be eliminated only under universal salt iodization.

The aforesaid denotes significant progress of Kazakhstan in solving such pressing issues as elimination of hidden hunger and promotion of health. Implementation of the programmes in cooperation among the Government, salt producers, NGOs and international organizations as well as execution of the adopted legal acts are set to improve the health of population, reduce child and infant morbidity and mortality as well as mortality caused by cardiovascular diseases.