JAGRITI VOL. VI, ISSUE 3 SEPTEMBER 2008.pdf
Media
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IN THIS ISSUE
• 61 si RC, WHO-SEAR
• IX th SEA Nutrition
Network meeting
• GOI - UNICEF five
year plan
• National Nutrition
Week
• Sri Lanka review
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WHO Regional Committee - SEAR
61st Session of the WHO Regional Committee
New Delhi, India, 8-11 September, 2008
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ICCIDD Vision, Mission & Dedication
^TH HcFg
Vision:The vision of ICCIDD is a world virtually free from Iodine Deficiency
HjicR *rag
Disorders with national endeavors to maintain optimal iodine nutrition primarily
through consumption of iodised salt, which should be made easily available
May auspiciousness be unto oil
May Peace be unto all
May fullness be unto all
May prosperity be unto all
and affordable for all people for all times.
Mission: The mission of ICCIDD is to provide a focused advocacy to
governments and development agencies, of a continued priority for iodine
nutrition, providing technical expertise in a multi disciplinary approach.
Editorial Board
Dr Chondrokant S Pandav
Chief Editor
Dedication: ICCIDD dedicates itself to programs fully supported at the
national level for permanent, sustained success and will work with all partners
and national entities towards that end.
Dr. ArijH Chokrabarty
Managing Editor
Patrons:
Shri Mohan Dhario
Chief Patron
Dr Kolyan Bagchi
Patron
Shri R V Pillai, IAS (retd.)
Patron
Editorial
Dear Colleagues,
The ICCIDD team would like to welcome Ms. Karin Hulshof, who has taken charge as the India
Country Representative of UNICEF. Dr. Victor Aguayo is the new Chief of Nutrition and
Dr. Mohamed Ayoya has joined as the Nutrition Specialist at UNICEF India Country office,
New Delhi. We also welcome our colleague in WHO-SEAR, Dr. Kunal Bagchi who has joined
as the Regional Advisor for Nutrition.
Editorial Advisers:
The 61 st Regional Committee of SEAR met at New Delhi. ICCIDD participated as an NGO and
Shri L M Jain, IAS (retd.)
Prof M G Karmarkar
made a statement. Dr. Sam lee Plianbangchang, Regional Director was re-nominated for a
second term. Hearty Congratulations! On the sidelines of this meet, the Health Minister of
Shri S Sundaresan
Bhutan, H.E. Lyonpo Zangley Dukpa paid a visit to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences
Adv. Makarand Adkar
and met with the Faculty members of the Institute. ICCIDD was the first to share its long and
Shri Bejon Misra
successful partnership between the Royal Government of Bhutan, AllMS and ICCIDD to
achieve sustainable elimination of IDD in Bhutan.
Editorial Assistants:
Smt Soroja Narayanan
The SEA Nutrition Network met at Hyderabad for their ninth meeting to promote exchange of
Shri Pritam Singh
information amongst the member countries.
Smt Shalini Chokrabarty
The Government of India and UNICEF have launched a five year plan. Nutrition remains first
on the development agenda. This was also reiterated in various national meetings and
Circulation
symposiums like, "Third Meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Nutrition Mission"
Shri Pritam Singh
organized by the Ministry of Women and Child Development and "National Nutrition Policy",
Rajesh Kumar
Printed & Published by:
Ms. Smita Pandav
on behalf of ICCIDD
a symposium organized by the Nutrition Foundation of India. The National Nutrition Week was
celebrated from 1 -7 September, 2008. It was inaugurated by the Speaker of Indian Parliament,
Dr. Somnath Chatterjee.
Contact Address:
A short report on Gujarat state initiative for iodized salt under RCH II features in this issue. Also
Room No 28, CCM Building,
Old OT Block,
featured is a report on the panel discussion on "Malnutrition an Emergency" organized by the
All India Institute of Medical Sciences,
New Delhi-110029,
Tel: 011-26588522
Confederation of Indian Industry and the Ministry of Development of North-Eastern Region in
India. MI-ICCIDD Quality Assurance Programme activities are reported here as well as a field
situation analysis towards road to achieving sustainable elimination of IDD. On the regional
E-mail: pandavsmita04@yahoo co.in
fronton update from Sri Lanka and Pakistan is included.
Website: www.iqplusin.org
With series of activities at Regional, National and State level, the synergistic efforts towards
Designed & Printed at
sustainable elimination of IDD continue.
Sona Printers Pvt. Ltd.
F-86/1 Okhla Industrial Area, Ph-1
New Delhi-110020
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Regional Coordinator - SA Region
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Dr. ChandrakantS. Pandav
Ph.: 41616566, 26811313
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Dr Samlee Plianbangchang Re-Nominated as WHO Regional Director for SEAR
61st Session of the WHO Regional Committee
New Delhi, India, 8-11 September, 2008
CCIDD congratulates Dr. Samlee Plianbangchang for his
Director, Technical Division, Department of Medical Services from
renomination as the WHO Regional Director for South East
1974 to 1981 and was Secretary, National Advisory Board for
Asia region fora second term.
Disease Prevention and Control and Director of its Office from
I
His nomination will be submitted to the 124th Executive Board of
WHO at its January 2009 session for ratification.
As Regional Director, Dr. Plianbangchang focused on building the
Member Countries' capacity to strengthen their national health
programmes. During his first term, WHO set up the South-East
Asia Regional Health Emergency Fund to provide immediate relief
after a natural disaster strikes. The Fund was activated within hours
of cyclone Nargis in Myanmar.
1981 to 1985 and Acting Director, Division of International
Health, Ministry of Public Health (1981-1982).
Dr. Samlee Plianbangchang graduated with the degree equivalent
to M.D. (Medical Doctor) from the University of Medical Sciences
in Bangkok; obtained Master of Public Health and Tropical
Medicine (M.P.H. & T.M.) and Doctor of Public Health (Dr. RH.)
from Tulane University, and Certificate of Comprehensive Health
Planning for Senior Health Administrators from Johns Hopkins
University School of Hygiene and Public Health, both in U.S.A. He
Dr. Plianbangchang's first term as Regional Director was marked
was certified by the American Board of Preventive Medicine to be
by important initiatives such as the establishment of the South-East
specialist in international public health, and by the Thai Medical
Asian Public Health Education Institutes Network (SEAPHEIN). He
Council to be specialist in Preventive and Social Medicine;
is an expert in international health planning and administration,
recognized by American Medical Association to be an outstanding
including programme and project development, coordination and
physician in 1970; awarded a gold medal by Tulane University for
management; epidemiology and human ecology; and public
the best doctoral dissertation in 1972; and selected to be member
health education and practice.
of Delta Omega (ETA Chapter) which is one of the prestigious
Dr. Plianbangchang served for 16 years in WHO before retiring as
American public health professional societies.
Director of Programme Management in 2000. Before joining
WHO, Dr Plianbangchang worked at several key positions in the
Ministry of Public Health, Royal Thai Government. He was
ICCIDD congratulates Dr. Samlee Plianbangchang (L) for his renomination as the
Regional Director for SEAR. On (R) is Dr. Chandrakant S. Pandav
As in the past, under the leadership of Dr. Plianbangchang, as the
Regional Director of WHO-SEAR, ICCIDD pledges its support for
elimination of IDD in countries of WHO-South East Asia Region.
ICCIDD welcomes Dr. Kunal Bagchi who has joined the WHO-SEAR office as the
Regional Advisor for nutrition. Dr. Bagchi has worked as a public health specialist
with the UN social development programmes in the countries of South-East Asia,
East Africa and Middle East. He served as the Regional Adviser in Nutrition at the
WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office, Cairo.
61st Session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia
Statement of the Regional Coordinator, ICCIDD - South Asia
New Delhi, India, 8-11 September, 2008
M
ay I, on behalf of my colleagues in the International
rates of coverage (>90%) of household use of iodized salt. T:
Council for Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders
household coverage of adequately iodized salt in the countries
(ICCIDD) first of all thank the Regional Director for
the Region is enumerated in Table 1.
extending invitation to attend the 61st Session of the WHO,
We need to continue to push the USI/IDD agenda collectively with
Regional Committee for South-East Asia that is being held at New
partners. While Bhutan is the only country in the region that has
Delhi, India.
eliminated IDD as a public health problem, the introduction of
ICCIDD is the only organization, globally, which focuses
cyclic monitoring as part of the monitoring process for the first time
exclusively on the sustainable elimination of iodine deficiency
in the world has worked to the country's advantage. Sri Lanka is
disorders. ICCIDD has been providing over the last 22 years a
another country that is doing well in terms of IDD elimination. A
wide array of expertise including medical, nutritional, salt industry
request is being processed from them for an independent external
and technical aspects related to IDD. ICCIDD has also played
assessment.
pivotal role in policy formulation by regular interactions with the
Elimination of Iodine Deficiency Disorders will contribute to at least
elected representativesand policy makers.
six of the Millennium Development Goals i.e. Eradicate extreme
ICCIDD has been a regular participant in the Annual World Health
poverty and hunger; Achieve Universal Primary Education;
Assembly (WHA), since 1994. The ICCIDD delegation to the 60th
Promote gender equality and empower women; Reduce child
World Health Assembly held in May 2007 was able to convince the
mortality; Improve maternal health; Develop a global partnership
WHA to repeat its call, first made in 2005 at the 58th WHA, to
for development.
implement the recommendation in resolution (WHA58.24) to
A lot of progress needs to be made in the other priority countries of
establish multi-disciplinary national coalitions in order to monitor
the region as well. There is a wealth of knowledge in many
the state of iodine nutrition every three years.
successful programs and most important thereof is the knowledge
Only 2 countries out of 11 countries in the South-East Asia Region
of lessons learnt on key issues with regards to sustainability.
of WHO (WHO-SEAR) have been able to achieve relatively high
Table 1: Household coverage of iodized salt in SEAR Countries
S. No.
Country Name
Household
Coverage
Il
Bhutan
96%
S. No.
Country Name
Household
Coverage
6.
Nepal
63%
Myanmar
60%
f7. ”
2.
Sri Lanka
94%
3.
Bangladesh
84%
8.
Thailand
58%
4.
Indonesia
73%
9.
India
51%
5.
Timor-Leste
72%
10.
Maldives
44%
DPR Korea
40%
11.
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The lessons learnt from the more successful countries are:
Hold regular National Advocacy events to assure that all
1.
actors in the field are informed, active and participating.
the intelligence Quotient (IQ) of the child and the contribution of
elimination of IDD to at least six of the Millennium Development
Goals. It is the quality of the human resources development that
should be of concern and NOT just goiter!
Hold regular National and Sub National monitoring activities
2.
and report them widely to demonstrate not only progress but
What is needed is coming together of policy makers and scientific
fraternity. Together they can start an odyssey into future ably
where problems are being encountered.
supported by our partners of private sector and the iodized salt
1
Maintain constant public information on the problems of
3.
4.
|
producers. Together they would lead towards a world devoid of
iodine deficiency and the dangers of absence of iodine.
IDD, and a healthy society, thus, fulfilling the right of every child to
Sustain high level national political commitment across the
board.
optimal physical and mental development.
Mr. Chairman, in Iodine Deficiency Disorders: We know the
Forthose countries that have achieved success, the challenge is to
answer to "What needs to be done?" It is very simple, daily
sustain the success. They should be provided a platform to share
consumption of adequately iodized salt is a healthy habit! We must
the success with other countries, not only in IDD and Nutrition fora
now accelerate and share our efforts to find the answer to, "How is
but also in other fora where success story of any programme is
it to be done?" ICCIDD is committed to be a partner in terms of
being discussed.
moving ahead with, "How it is to be done?"
This is not the time to rest. The effort should be more vigorous now.
WHO SEARO is working with the regional office of ICCIDD in
How challenging it is to change the perception? Even after 25
developing
years of scientific research, the problem of IDD is still largely
control/assurance and monitoring of national IDD control
a
region-specific
protocol
for the
quality
perceived as equivalent to "Goiter". People consider it a cosmetic
programmes. Similar collaboration of efforts exist in improving
problem and hence a low priority issue. But goiter is only "Tip of the
technical capacities of Member States through technology transfer
iceberg". According to WHO, IDD is the single most important
e.g. production of potassium iodate in Myanmar with possible
cause of mental retardation and it is totally preventable. Focus
technical support from India.
should be more on the implications that iodine deficiency has on
Health Minister of Bhutan Visits AllMS
Visit of Delegation led by H.E. Lyonpo Zangley Dukpa
New Delhi, India, 11 September, 2008
A
/
delegation led by H.E. Lyonpo Zangley Dukpa, Hon'ble
X Minister for Health, Royal Government of Bhutan visited the
\AII India Institute of Medical Sciences on 11th September,
2008, for an interactive meeting with the Faculty of this prestigious
institution. Dr. ChandrakantS. Pandav was the first faculty member
to share experiences of long association of AllMS with Bhutan in
elimination of IDD.
Bhutan was the first country in the South Asia region to have
Bhutan Health Minister is greeted by WHO-SEAR,
Regional Director, Dr. Samlee Plianbangchang and
Dr. C.S. Pandav. The Citation to the Royal Government
of Bhutan is on the right.
achieved elimination of IDD as a public health problem and
AIIMS/ICCIDD played a key role in it.
Dr. Pandav later presented the Hon'ble Minister a copy of the
Members of Bhutan Salt Enterprises
receiving the certificate after successful
training at ICCIDD laboratory.
citation which was presented earlier by AllMS to Bhutan on
achieving elimination of IDD. Dr. Pandav cited this association as a
very good one and hoped the Bhutan continues with its cyclic
monitoring to sustain the success and extended full support of
AllMS and ICCIDD. He also shared that delegations from Bhutan
have been trained on a regular basis at the ICCIDD laboratory,
New Delhi for quality control of iodized salt.
L to R: Dr. Chandrakant.S. Pandav,
Dr. M.G. Karmarkar, Mr. Dawa Gyeltsen,
Mr. Subrata Chanda
SEA Nutrition Network Meets to Promote Effective Exchange of Informatic
National Institute of Nutrition (NIN)
24-26 September, 2008
The IX meeting of the Joint WHO- FAO Southeast Asia Nutrition
iodized salt supply and require transfer of technology. In additio
Research-cum-Action Network was held at the National Institute of
the group also discussed the importance of quality control fr
Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad, India from 24th to 26th September
production to consumption end. The groups felt the need io
2008. The three day meeting was an endeavor to promote
consider sustainability of programme components of NIDDCR
effective exchange of information among the member countries
About the network
and partnering organizations/institutions. Participants drawn from
The network was established in 1990. WHO-SEARO & WHO
diverse fields of food and nutrition like researchers, academia,
Collaborative Centres in Nutrition were instrumental in forming the
and policy implementation of the 11 member states took part in
Network. The Member Countries include Bangladesh, Bhutan,
the meeting. Representatives from UN organizations like WHO,
DPR Korea, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Republic of
FAO, UNICEF, ICCIDD and World Food Programme also
Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor-Leste.
participated in the meeting.
Objectives of the Network
Alongside discussing the ways and means to revitalize the network,
the meeting also focused on the rising food prices in the region
To optimize regional expertise for linking nutrition research to
and its impact on household food insecurity. The participants also
country programmes in order to address existing nutritional
shared some successful programmes and experiences in the
problems prevailing in the Region.
management of mild, moderate and severe malnutrition using
In accordance with the consensus of the members, WHO-SEARO
community-based strategies. Special sessions discussed recent
has
interventions to combat and control micronutrient malnutrition
especially Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) and Iron Deficiency
Anaemia. Through group activities,
looked
into
future
research
and
the
National
on making the micronutrient deficiency control and prevention
1.
programmes successful by bridging the gap between research and
explored the
2.
The
main
issues
discussed
Support and follow-up on recommendations of the Network
Meetings
For IDD, the groups reviewed the country experiences in IDD
programmes.
Communicating and maintaining information flow among
network members
possibility of behavioral change
communication in control and prevention of anaemia.
control
(NIN),
evidence-based
Objectives of the Secretariat
and
of Nutrition
Mahidol University, Thailand.
interventions for management of malnutrition; exchanged views
action
Institute
Nutrition-cum-Action Network. NIN takes over the baton from
the workshop participants
needs
designated
Hyderabad, India as the new secretariat for the Southeast Asia
3.
included
Increase awareness and promote direct communication
among network members
Universal Iodization and Quality Assurance and Regulation. It was
apparent that the small producers have a key role in ensuring
E-■: HI
MMmi|@S|
24-26 September, 2008
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NUTRITION (ICMR) Hyderabad • 500 007. INDIA
6
Working Together to Reach All of India's Children:
Government of India and UNICEF Launch Five-Year Plan of Action
New Delhi, 21 August, 2008
s.
M
Renuka Chowdhury,
Hon'ble Minister of State
(Independent Charge), Woman and Child Development
and Dr. Karin Hulshof, Representative, UNICEF India
jointly launched the GOI-UNICEF Programme of Co-operation,
2008-2012 on 21 August, 2008. The joint initiative is designed to
help India achieve its national development goals while ensuring
Goal and Objectives
The overall goal of the 2008-2012 Country Programme is to
advance the fulfillment of the rights of all women and children in
India to survive and thrive, develop, participate and be protected
by reducing social inequalities based on gender, caste, ethnicity or
region.
that no child is left behind as India moves forward.
The Reproductive and Child Health programme aims to reduce
About one fifth of the world's children live in India. The country's
progress is key to meeting the Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs). The joint plan focuses on the reduction of India's infant
mortality and maternal mortality rates (IMR and MMR), fighting
malnutrition, tackling HIV, providing quality education, ensuring
safe water and environmental sanitation and providing child
infant mortality rates (IMR) from 58 to 28 per 1,000 live births, and
maternal mortality rates (MMR) from 301 to 100 per 100,000 live
births within five years. The main interventions will revolve around
enhancing
access
immunization,
to
child
and
survival
more
equitable
coverage
and
maternal
care,
of
while
strengthening health systems.
protection. UNICEF is to engage further with civil society and
establish innovative partnerships to promote the well-being and
survival of India's children. UNICEF works in close partnership with
other United Nations agencies, the World Bank, bilateral partners,
the
private
sector and
international
and
national
non
governmental organizations.
Setting new goals: Minister of State for Women and Child
Development Ms. Renuka Chowdhury with Representative of
UNICEF Dr. Karin Hulshof during the launch of the GOIUNICEF programme of co-operation 2008-12 in New Delhi.
The Child Development and Nutrition programme focuses on
improving the nutritional status of the mother and child, by
promoting breast feeding, appropriate complementary foods and
feeding practices, micronutrient nutrition, the control of anaemia
and the care of children with severe malnutrition. Anticipated
results include the reduction in the level of malnutrition, significant
reduction
in
micronutrient
deficiencies
and
prevention
of
Social
Policy,
Planning,
Monitoring
and
Evaluation
programme is improving systems for data gathering, analysis anc.
dissemination to support evidence-based programme planning
malnutrition in children below three years.
The Child
The
Environment programme aims to improve the
availability of clean and safe water availability, its management,
conservation and equitable allocation, as well as access to
sanitation and adoption of critical hygiene practices. Key results
include sustainable access to and use of safe water and basic
and
advocacy.
The
Behaviour
Change
Communication
programme helps to strengthen the Government's capacity for
communication for behaviour and social change, including
entertainment education and cross-sectoral communication. The
Advocacy and Partnerships programme is building a voice for
children through parliament, civil society organizations, media,
sanitation services.
celebrities and sports endorsements and campaigns to ensure
The Child Protection programme seeks to protect children from
children's rights.
violence, exploitation and abuse by including promoting the
Juvenile Justice Act, child labour laws and other related
legislation. Key results include strengthened policies, budgets,
laws, norms, guidelines and tracking systems on children in need
of care and protection and the establishment of child protection
Almost 80 percent of India is vulnerable to natural disasters, which
cause extensive damage to lives and livelihoods every year. The
Emergency Preparedness and Response programme works with
the Government for the fulfillment of the rights of children and
women in humanitarian crises.
units at the state level.
The Education programme works to ensure more children enroll,
Geographic Focus
stay in school and complete elementary education. UNICEF is
At a national level, UNICEF works closely with the central
seeking to improve learning outcomes, completion rates and
government in ensuring that children's rights are reflected and
literacy levels amongst disadvantaged groups. Key results include
resourced in policies and programmes. The seven states of Bihar,
increased enrolment, retention, achievement and completion
Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand
rates in elementary education.
and Chhattisgarh are the focus of intensive programming,
The Children and AIDS programme aims to reduce vulnerabilities,
slow down the rate of new infections and mitigate the impact of HIV
and AIDS among children 0-18 years old. Prevention is focused on
the most at risk and vulnerable young people. Key results include
providing a comprehensive package of services to prevent mother-
to-child transmission of HIV to 40 per cent of all HIV-positive
pregnant women, appropriate care and treatment to HIV-positive
innovations and social mobilization to accelerate progress in child
survival and development. In addition, focused interventions in
Assam, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh,
Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala are supported with advocacy
and policy development, in 1 7 "Integrated Districts" UNICEF is
concentrating its efforts on community empowerment, behaviour
change and quality service delivery.
infants and the reduction of stigma.
Exhibition to Celebrate National Nutrition Week Inaugurated
National Nutrition Week
1 -7 September, 2008
A two-day long exhibition on nutrition awareness for women and
children was inaugurated at the India Gate lawns. It was organized
nourished children tend to have a higher IQ and better cognitive
by the Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Food
ability. While medicines are not a solution, nutrition awareness is
and Nutrition Board.
the only prevention,' she maintained.
Ms. Renuka Chowdhury, Hon'ble Minister of State for Women and
Dr. Somnath Chatterjee, Speaker of Lok Sabha, inaugurated the
Child Development, said the purpose of the exhibition was to
exhibition. He said that nutrition awareness was essential for
create awareness among people about nutritious food and
sustainable growth in a country where 41 percent of the population
healthy living, during the National Nutrition Week (Sep 1 -7).
is comprised of children. 'Foetal and early childhood malnutrition
The minister, addressing the inauguration ceremony, said: 'A
majority of Indian women and children are prone to micro-nutrient
J
fi* and calcium deficiency which are not known to many. They are
'Fa’s ■
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la
Ei
faced with health hazards due to lack of nutrition awareness.1 Well-
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has lifelong consequences on growth and development of our
country. Therefore, investment in child nutrition today will give
manifold returns in the future/
Speech of UNICEF Representative to India, Dr Karin Hulshof
Government of India and UNICEF Launch Five-Year Plan of Action
New Delhi, 21 August, 2008
is still important work to meet basic needs. Such as reducing child
mortality and morbidity. Tackling the crisis of severe malnutrition.
Promoting a safe and clean environment. Reducing disparities
between boys and girls in the classroom. Helping young people
protect themselves from HIV. We have set out with the Government
of India, state governments, civil society and development
partners, including other agencies within the U.N. Family, a
concrete, measurable, five-year plan of action that aims to fulfill
children's rights. In that regard, our Mission is as relevant as ever.
Our Mission in India also contributes to a wider, all-encompassing
agenda for the world's people
as set out in the Millennium
Development Goals. Though this plan that we are launching with
the Government today, UNICEF recommits itself to working within
Good morning, Honourable Minister (Independent Charge),
Ministry of
Women & Child
Development,
Ms.
Renuka
Chowdhury; Secretary, Women & Child Development, Mr. Anil
the U.N. context to support India in achieving the MDGs.
India's responsibility
with one-fifth of the world's children
is
special. Let me give you just two examples.
Kumar and senior staff from your Ministry; UN Resident co
ordinator, Dr. Maxine Olsen; Representatives from the central
government, ministries, Representatives of state governments,
Development partners, Media representatives, and, of course, my
own staff from our state offices and the Delhi office.
A very warm welcome to all of you. Last weekend, I had my first
opportunity to celebrate India's Independence. 61 eventful years. I
come slightly late to this journey, of course, but it is a privilege to be
35% of all under-weight children under the age of five, globally,
55 million children
are in India. And... 29% of the world's
population some 740 million people in India do not have access
to improved sanitation.
Today, with the launch of this five year plan, we share the burden
and the opportunity with you to make this a better world for
children to thrive.
here. For most of these past 61 years, UNICEF has also been
UNICEF's mission also requires us to be committed to ensuring
growing with India. From the first exciting and difficult years
special protection for the most disadvantaged children, children
following Independence, through periods of growth and strife,
who are victims of extreme poverty, conflict, disasters, all forms of
UNICEF, I feel has retained its unique mission in this country. So,
violence and exploitation, and those with disabilities. Which brings
today, as we officially launch the next five year plan of cooperation
me to my second point how we will work differently in this new
between the Government of India and UNICEF, I would like to
country programme. When we analyzed our work over the past five
reflect on three points: One...... on what I perceive to be the
years, in preparation for this current country programme, we were
relevance of UNICEF's mission in today's India. Two.. .how the way
guided in our thinking by a discourse that was shaping India's own
we work is evolving. And, three...why I believe UNICEF to be a
thinking about the balance between economic and social
unique and special partner to India, its people, and particularly, its
development... .as demonstrated by the Prime Minister's often cited
children. Some judge progress by rates of economic growth. And,
concern about the need for social inclusion. A disaggregated
by many measures, the growth of India's Gross Domestic Product
analysis showed that children from certain tribal communities,
has been extraordinary in recent years. However, as we know, not
everyone benefits equally. And a just society recognizes this, and
castes and minority communities account for the largest gaps in
tries to make things right. Which brings me to my first point. The
take full advantage of the government's increasing investments in
relevance of UNICEF's mission in India today. Our mandate from
social development, is at times hampered by extreme poverty,
the United Nations General Assembly is to advocate for the
exploitation and exclusion. To that complex situation, we again
development indicators. And their ability to avail of services, to
protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs and to
used data to help focus our programming on key states, and within
expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. Here, there
those states, critical districts where basic needs are less likely to be
I
met and where the forces of social exclusion are most pronounced.
these next few months, we can build this even further into ' national
And, we will do that by working closely with Government
communication strategy for improved infant feeding prac- ces.
counterparts
both here in Delhi and in States
to deepen the
impact of India's flagship programmes, such as the National Rural
Health Mission, S.S.A (Sarva Shiksha Abhiyhan), the Total
UNICEF commits in this action plan to achieve results c part of a
wider contribution of the U.N. in India. Whether it is to; ■ ’her with
W.H.O. on polio, UNDP on emergency response, the World Food
Sanitation Campaign, I.C.D.S. (Integrated Child Development
Programme on malnutrition, UNFPA on gender equality.. .UNICEF
Services), and state-level programmes. UNICEF is very conscious
will increasingly look for complementarity and cohesion in its work
that the Government is investing more than ever before in social
with other U.N. bodies.
development. We are committed to bringing our experience and
technical advice to help develop and strengthen these strategies,
propose innovations, monitor and assess work in the field, and
analyze the results of these investments on the lives of children. At
the same time, UNICEF remains deeply committed to the work it
does with 'its boots on the ground'. We will be at the policy table
with the Centre and States, but we will come with our direct
We will also continue our strategic partnership with established
donors,
such
as
the
U.K.
Department for
International
Development, the U.S. Agency for International Development,
Rotary International and the Government of Norway. We will bring
together new partnerships to work for children in India such as the
one we have recently established with IKEA.
knowledge of working with communities, through piloting new
In achieving our goals, national and international NGOs as well
ideas, and by making a tangible, direct difference in the lives of
as the media in India and abroad
children.
UNICEF. We count on their experience and knowledge of
Our tradition of delivering vaccines, experimenting with safe water
technologies, piloting innovations such as sick newborn care units
are important partners to
communities, while also informing, mobilizing and acting as
effective catalysts for change.
in district hospitals and developing multiple-language teaching
Over these five years, UNICEF will make a substantial financial
aids in tribal schools will continue.
contribution of around $700 million to India.
I believe that our discourse at the policy level is only as relevant as
More than $200 million will come from UNICEF's own core
the experience we bring to the table.
resources, which is even more than previously anticipated. And, I,
And this brings me io my third, and final, point. I have described
what I believe to be the continued relevance of UNICEF's Mission
in India. And, what I hope can be achieved together with
Government and other partners in this new country programme.
But how we work together is key. UNICEF enjoys a close
collaboration with Government across many Ministries including
Women & Child Development, Health & Family Welfare, Rural
Development, Education, Labour and many others.
We are committed to presenting Government and other partners
with the best available technical advice...with direct experience
from the field.. .as well as best practice from around the world.
Madam Minister, I am particularly excited about our working with
your Ministry of Women and Child Development. I believe the
technical input we are providing to the new ICDS programme with
its focus on children under the age of three is of critical importance
feel very optimistic about strong donor interest and support. So far
in 2008, we have a commitment of more than $200 million from
partners for the work that we do, and I feel confident about raising
further support overthe next few years.
In addition, UNICEF expects to do around half a billion dollars in
procurement services, helping to ensure vaccine supply and other
essential drugsand equipment for India.
And, then perhaps, our most special asset. UNICEF's extensive
network of 13 field offices, working in 15 states, and our Delhi staff
a combined workforce of close to 500 people.
Here we have our best opportunity to engage directly with state
governments... providing technical support, helping to identify and
fill gaps, and to advocate for the fulfillment of children's rights. I am
delighted that so many state government counterparts and our
State Representatives could be here today.
to addressing issues of malnutrition.
Together, you are the key to success over these next five years.
As is the work we do together on communication. I would like to
This period is crucial to the pace of India's progress in meeting the
congratulate you on the launch of your media campaign yesterday
MDGs. It is a challenge, but one that we are prepared to meet,
on the girl child, domestic violence and malnutrition. I know our
together with all of you.
staff worked closely with your Ministry on that. And, I hope that over
Thankyou.
ICCIDD Welcomes UNICEF Team
Meets UNICEF Representative to Discuss the Roadmap to USI
4 September, 2008
CCIDD has been discussing with partner agencies the need for
As a follow up to this meeting UNICEF has initiated a review
meeting soon to build the road map for USI in India. One of the
discussion on the current status of USI as a prelude to the meeting
key partners is UNICEF and ICCIDD met with the new UNICEF
between the partners. Both organizations hoped to come up with a
I
Chief Dr. Karin Hulshof to discuss the way forward.
roadmap soon for the next three years to reach the goal of USI.
This meeting was preceded by a meeting with UNICEF Chief for
UNICEF, GAIN, Ml and ICCIDD of the partnership would like to
Nutrition Dr. Victor Aguayo and the UNICEF Nutrition Specialist
see over the next years among respective agencies to help India
Mohamed Ayoya on 5th June, 2008.
achieve USI.
ICCIDD Team Greets the New Team at India Country Office-UNICEF
Lto R: Dr. Arijit Chakrabarty, Program Manager ICCIDD, Dr. Mohamed Ayoya, Lio R. Dr. Mohamed Ayoya, Nutrition Specialist UNICEF, Dr. Victor Aguayo,
Nutrition Specialist UNICEF, Dr. Karin Hulshof, India Country Representative, Chief of Nutrition UNICEF, Dr. M.G. Karmarkar, President ICCIDD
Dr. Chandrakant S. Pandav, Regional Coordinator-South Asia ICCIDD,
Ms. Saroja Narayanan,Senior Project Officer ICCIDD
ICCIDD Reviews Salt Iodization in Sri Lanka
he national survey conducted by Medical Research Institute
IDD in Sri Lanka. Dr. Pandav extended ICCIDDs full support in this
of the Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition, Sri Lanka in
endeavour.
2005 on iodine nutrition has indicated that Sri Lanka has
The National Steering Committee on elimination of IDD has
achieved the indicators for sustainable elimination of IDD
decided to prepare a preliminary report identifying strengths and
T
identified by the joint committee of WHO/UNICEF/ICCIDD.
gaps of the IDD elimination programme. This report has been
Sri Lanka has requested for an external review with the WHO and
forwarded to the WHO Representative for Sri Lanka by the Ministry
their request is being processed at the WHO-SEAR office, New
of Healthcare and Nutrition on 12 August, 2008.
Delhi. It is in this context that Dr. Pandav met with the key officials of
Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition and requested them to
He also shared with them key findings of the awareness
programmes of IDD in Ratnapura district of Sri Lanka. This study
continue with their endeavor towards sustainable elimination of
was funded by the ICCIDD office of Sri Lanka.
Ministry to Educate Students in Pakistan about Iodine Deficiency
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008%5C05%5Cl 6%5Cstory_l 6-5-2008_pg7_24
he Health Ministry plans to request the Education Ministry to
Dr. Khan said that the Nutrition Wing had sent a draft of proposed
incorporate information on iodine deficiency, prevention
legislation to the cabinet to promote the. use of iodized salt in the
T
and
control
into
the
primary
curriculum,
said
country in an attempt to fight Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDDs).
Dr. Zareefuddin Khan on Thursday.
He said, the programme was being implemented in 65 target
Dr. Khan told reporters during a briefing here that the Nutrition
districts to educate salt processors and
Wing had trained 1,000 teachers in Punjab and 200 in
monitoring the iodization process and iodine deficiencies to
Balochistan to educate students on the significance of iodine in
prevent IDDs becoming a significant health problem in the country.
their diet.
Steps would be taken to control iodine deficiency by 2013 and
health
managers
He said training of school teachers in Sindh and the North West
promote universal salt iodization by 2010, Assistant Director
Frontier Province (NWFP) was underway.
General of the Nutrition Wing, Dr. Agha Mehboob said.
Jagriti Used as Reference Material in Home Science College
From
Dr. Rita S. Raghuvanshi
COLLEGE OF HOME SCIENCE
G.B. Pant Univ.-of Agriculture & Technology
PANTNAGAR - 263145 (Uttarakhand)
INDIA
o-mall:doanhsc@gbpuaLomotin
rila_raghuvanshl@yahoo.com
Tala fax: 05944-233637
Ref. No. CHS//3o
Dated: 05.09 2008
Dean
College of Home Science
G.B. Pant University of Aggriculture & technology
Pantnagar (Uttarakahand)
Many thanks for sending the Jagirti on regular basis I read it with interest and
use the matter to teach classes also. My PG students of Human Nutrition gel
Dear Dr. Pandav,
benefited by this regular journal. Recently one of my PG student has worked on
iodine retention in cooking process. It has open up new avenues for further research.
Many thanks for sending the Jagriti on regular basis. I read it
with interest and use the matter to teach classes also. My PG
Kind regards
students of human nutrition get benefitted by this regular
journal. Recently one of my PG student has worked on
Yours sincerely
iodine retention in cooking process. It has opened up new
avenues for further research.
(Rita Singh Raghuvanshi)
Kind regards
Dr. Chandrakant S. Panda*
Additional Professor
Centre for Community Nutrition
All India Institute of Medical Science
New Delhi-1 IO 029
-Sd-
Rita Singh Raghuvanshi
6 September, 2008
National Nutritional Policy - Essential Elements
Symposium by Nutrition Foundation of India
New Delhi, 27-28 June. 2008
I
ndia has accorded high priority to improvement in health and
4.
nutritional status of its citizens. National Nutrition Policy, 1993
provided the policy framework, strategies for improving
Dr. Sivakumar: Newer trends in nutrient requirements, dietary
standard and balanced diet
5.
nutritional status of the population and set the goals 2000 AD. The
Dr. Shanti Ghosh: Under 2
the critical age: Programme
priorities must change
new century has witnessed the emergence of dual nutrition burden
in India; while under-nutrition and micronutrient deficiencies
6.
Dr. Sarath Gopalan: Nutrition in Medical Curriculum
remain the major public health problems, over-nutrition and
7.
Dr. Mahtab Bamji: Community initiatives for improving health,
associated non-communicable diseases are increasingly seen
especially among urban and affluent segments of the population.
nutrition, environment and livelihood security
8.
A clear need was felt for focused and comprehensive interventions
aimed at improving the nutritional and health status of individuals
Dr. Kamala Krishnaswamy: infrastructure requirements for an
effective Nutrition Policy
9.
Mr. Sanjay Nandan: Mid Day Meal Programme in Gujarat
10.
Dr. B. Sesikeran: Fortification with reference to iodine and iron
in all sections of the population.
The symposium
reviewed
existing
and emerging
nutrition
and iodine fortification
problems, past experiences in implementing interventions and
discussed some essential elements which have to be addressed in
11.
Dr. Subadra Seshadri: Initiatives for enabling Home Science
Colleges to play an effective role in National Nutrition
the National Nutrition Policy.
programmes
The symposium was well contributed with presentations from
illustrious speakers and well informed delegates. Delegates
12.
Dr. Kalyan Bagchi: Nutrition in elderly
included the academia, representatives from the Government,
13.
Dr. Ramesh Bhat: New policy and programme initiatives to
ensure food safety in India
NGOs and development sector organizations. ICCIDD was
represented by Dr. Ari jit Chakrabarty.
14.
Following is the list of presentations deliberated upon:
1.
2.
Dr. M. S. Swaminathan: Towards a Nutrition Secure India
3.
15.
16.
Ramachandran:
Nutrition
Monitoring
Dr. H. R S. Sachdev: Improving Micronutrient status of Indian
Dr. Srinath Reddy: Practical steps addressing the escalation of
17.
Dr. Prema Ramachandran: Nutrition Problems in women
Meal Programme
L to R Dr. C. Gopalan, Dr. M.S. Swaminathan,
Dr. Prema Ramachandran
and
chronic degenerative diseases in the National Nutrition Policy
Dr. N. C. Saxena: Supplementary Feeding Programmes in
many National Nutrition Programmes like the ICDS, Mid Day
Prema
Children
Dr. Pronab Sen: Issues in defining of poverty line and their
implication to the National Nutrition Policy
Dr.
Surveillance
View of the delegates
National Nutrition Mission Cails for Special Intervention to Check Malnutrition.
3rd Meeting of the Executive Committee
New Delhi, 8 July, 2008
j
he third Meeting of Executive Committee of National
I
Nutrition Mission was held under the Chairpersonship of
Ms. Renuka Chowdhury, Minister of State for Women and
The Secretary called for cooperation of all sectors in identifying,
implementing and monitoring nutrition so that a comprehensive
approach is adopted to reduce maternal and young child
Child Development.
malnutrition.
Ms. Renuka Chowdhury, Chairperson of the Executive Committee
The Executive Committee discussed in detail high impac
reaffirmed her commitment to place nutrition first on the
development agenda and cited recent initiatives taken by the
interventions such as maternal and new born care, early and
exclusive breast feeding for the first six months, appropriate
Women and Child Development Ministry like universalization of
ICDS with quality, proposed Rajiv Gandhi; Scheme of
Vitamin A supplementation, IFA supplementation and universal
complementary feeding, timely and complete immunization,
and
usage of adequately iodized salt. The need to give adequate focus
strengthening of Food and Nutrition Board. She also stressed on
on micro- nutrient fortification was also highlighted. After detailed
the need for a clear priority to be accorded from the period of
discussions following decisions were taken by the Committee.
pregnancy to first three years of life to prevent under nutrition as
1.
Empowerment
of Adolescent Girls and
expansion
A strategy for special intervention from the period of
early as possible and to avoid cumulative irreversible damage
across generations. She also announced that new WHO child
for high burden districts to prevent under nutrition and to avoid
growth standards will be soon be introduced in India to effectively
cumulative irreversible damage.
track progress, recognizing child nutrition as a sensitive indicator
for national development.
Mr. Anil Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of WCD reiterated the need for
giving priority to optimal Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF)
and called for recognizing IYCF counseling as a distinct service in
ICDS, with enhanced resources investment. He explained the
major challenges facing the country like, persistently and
pregnancy to first two years of life of a child may be formulated
2.
A special strategy needs to be formulated for focused attention
on grade III and grade IV malnutrition.
3.
A task force comprising of Experts may be constituted to look
into various aspects of micronutrient fortification.
The meeting ended with a suggestion that immediate action may
be taken on the above mentioned three crucial issues which are
unacceptably high levels of young child under nutrition, multiple
important to respond to the call of Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan
deprivations, under nutrition, gender discrimination and poverty.
Singh on urgent action to reduce infant and young child under
nutrition and mortality.
Malnutrition Affects India's GDP by 1 %
Panel Discussion, Malnutrition an Emergency: What it Costs the Nation
New Delhi, 30 June, 2008
ndia can increase its gross domestic product (GDP) by one per
are due to malnutrition, making it one of the biggest causes of
cent if the country is able to address one quarter of the
child deaths.
malnutrition, says Ms. Veena S. Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of
"For the country to tackle this crisis effectively, the root cause of
Development of North-Eastern Region in India.
malnutrition must be addressed through appropriate prevention
Speaking at a panel discussion on 'Malnutrition an Emergency:
strategies," Dr. Aguayo said.
What it costs the Nation', jointly organized by Confederation of
He further stressed that the consequences of child under nutrition
Indian Industry (CH) and the Ministry in New Delhi on Monday, Ms.
were enormous and there was, in addition, an appreciable impact
Rao said that the increase in GDP would be possible as more than
of under nutrition on productivity so that a failure to invest in
50 per cent malnutrition is not related to poverty, but to lack of
combating nutrition reduces potential economic growth.
awareness.
She further pointed out that the number of people suffering from
malnutrition far exceeded the numbers of those living below the
The UNICEF's Child Nutrition Chief suggested that practices like
exclusive breast feeding for the first six months, initiation of
complementary foods at six months of age, timely immunization,
poverty line (BPL).
proper hygiene and sanitation can play a major role in addressing
"It is an inter-generational, inter-sectoral problem that needs
the problem of under-nutrition among children under two years of
multi-sectoral solutions," Ms. Rao added.
age.
The Secretary said that malnutrition was an unaddressed gap in
"Malnutrition in children was a contributing factor to more than
the country's development agenda and urged the industry to
half of all child mortality cases, while malnutrition in mothers
ensure that high energy-low cost food was made available to the
accounted for a substantial proportion of neonatal mortality,"said
poor.
Professor Dr. Vinod Paul, Department of Pediatrics, AllMS.
Responding to Ms. Rao's appeal to the industry, Britannia
Industries MD Ms. Vinita Bali said it was important that the industry
In this regard, he suggested that priority be given to strengthening
should not wait for the government to legislate and incentivise the
the
promotion of nutritious food products instead it must adopt a
interventions to the first referral-level facility at which emergency
proactive approach in this regard.
obstetric care is available.
Speaking on the occasion, United Nations Children's Fund
Earlier, welcoming the panelists of the discussion, Cll North East
primary
healthcare
system
from
community-based
(UNICEF) Child Nutrition and Development Chief Dr. Victor
Council Chairman Mr. Dipankar Chatterji pointed out to the
Aguayo said that one-third to one-half of all child deaths in India
concerns of the industry over malnutrition and said that social
Iodized Salt as Maternal and Child Health Intervention
Gujarat State Initiative under RCH II Programme
Reported by Dr. Vikas Desai, Additional Director, Family Welfare, Gujarat
eduction in childhood mortality and morbidity is one of the
This has been attempted through initiative under RCH II in Gujarat.
major goals of Reproductive and Child Health (RCH)
To ensure adequate iodine intake, free iodized salt is given to
program in Gujarat state. In view of slow progress in decline
of infant mortality and childhood mortality which goes unmatched
and Nutrition Day). Pregnant women and breastfeeding women of
was
infants are given free 1.5 kilograms of Iodized salt as a
decided to adopt multi pronged approach towards reduction of
prophylactic micronutrient supplement on their visit to "MAMTA
pregnancy wastage, low birth weight, micronutrient deficiency and
Divas" every month.
with the economic development indicator in the state, it
pregnant and breast feeding women on "MAMTA Divas" (Health
to promote optimum growth and development of children.
"MAMTA Divas" is organized on fixed day every month in all
One of the major initiative was to promote use of Iodized salt.
villages as a joint programme of Ministry of Health & Family
Household coverage of iodized salt in Gujarat state is 55% , with
Welfare and ICDS (Ministry of Women & Child Development). All
inter district range of 35% to 88% in 2007.
This indicates that iodized salt rate is reasonably satisfactory in the
state but the group in higher need due to geographical location is
still not adequately covered by iodine prophylaxis. It was felt that
pregnant women and nursing mothers of infants and preschool
children of the village are covered for all preventive and promotive
services like growth monitoring, early detection and treatment,
immunization, prophylactic drug supplement and counseling.
Information Education Communication (IEC) and salt supply
This ensures adequate iodine intake in the family, growth and
alone may not probably ensure the adequate iodine supply to the
development of foetus and of infant who is mainly dependent on
tribal and rural area. The only alternative was to develop a sure
breast milk for nutrition. Not only that the process of Iodized salt
shot iodine supply mechanism, at least to the most vulnerable
supply shall also provide opportunity to counsel the women for use
group among the vulnerable.
of iodized salt on a regular basis irrespective of the current subsidy.
Women being counseled on "Mamta Diwas"
Women receive iodized salt on “Mamta Diwas"
MI-ICCIDD Quality Assurance Programme
Training Workshop in Tamil Nadu
Tuticorin, 24 July, 2008
he Micronutrient Initiative has launched the Quality
The first training workshop was conducted at Gandhidham
Assurance Programme in India under a joint venture with
wherein 9 chemists and programme personnels of Ml were trained
ICCIDD, New Delhi. The programme envisages to improve
and the laboratory inspected by the ICCIDD team comprising of
T
the quality of iodized salt produced by the producers who are
Professor
being supported by the Ml subsidy of potassium iodate. Ml has
Dr. Chandrakant S. Pandav, Regional Coordinator ICCIDD and
M.G.
Karmarkar,
Senior Advisor
ICCIDD,
established laboratories at the production centers to monitor the
Dr. Arijit Chakrabarty, Consultant ICCIDD. The interactive session
iodization quality.
was duplicated at Tuticorin wherein 14 chemists and programme
personnels were trained and the laboratory inspected.
Glimpses of the training workshop at Tuticorin
Satisfactory Work at Gandhidham Laboratory
ICCIDD Reviews Gandhidham Laboratory
Gandhidham, 12 September, 2008
review visit to the
iodized salt was explained to them. The adulteration of cheaper
Gandhidham laboratory. He also trained the programme
potassium bromate with potassium iodate is a serious problem as
r.
D
M.G.
Karmarkar made a
personnels of Ml, the method to detect adulteration of
bromate is harmful for the health of human beings. This
potassium iodate with potassium bromate.
methodology will help in detecting bromate adulteration.
Both qualitative and quantitative methods were explained and
The functioning of this laboratory and the results they are getting
detailed protocol has been given to them. In quantitative analysis
are satisfactory. Mr. Dinesh Thacker and his team are doing an
for determining the amount of bromate in potassium iodate
excellent job.
powder as well as method of analysis the quantity of bromate in
Road to Achieve Sustainable Salt Iodization in India
Field Situation Commentary
Pankaj Jain, Regional Program Manager - Salt Program, Ml
I
odine is an important micronutrient. Lack of iodine in diet can
state of Gujarat. While analyzing the situation it could be found
lead to Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) that can cause
miscarriages, stillbirths, brain disorders and retarded
that those states which have better availability of adequately
psychomotor development, speech and hearing impairments as
well as depleted levels of energy in children. Iodine deficiency is
iodized salt are either catered by single or two agents or by
monopoly processor.
Gujarat, Rajasthan and Tamilnadu put together produces more
the single most important and preventable cause of mental
than 95% of total salt in India. But the household availability of
retardation worldwide.
adequately iodized salt in these states is 55.7%, 40.8% and 41.3%
It has been estimated that 200 million people in India are exposed
respectively. In addition to this, the status of availability in
to ihe risk of IDD (Vir, 2000) and more than 71 million suffer from
immediately neighbouring states to salt producing states like
goiter and other IDD (MoHFW, 2005). Iodine deficiency can be
Haryana (neighbouring state to Rajasthan) is 55.3%; Madhya
prevented by using salt that has been fortified with iodine. All states
Pradesh (neighbouring state to Gujarat and Rajasthan) is 36.3%
and union territories were advised to issue notifications banning
and Karnataka is 43%. Hence, this can be attributed that wherever
the sale of salt that was nor iodized. The ban on non-lodized salt
the salt is being transported through road, the availability of
was lifted in September, 2000, but it was re-imposed in November,
iodization is less in compared to the salt transported through
2005. However, this notification came into effect after May, 2006,
railhead. This is due to the fact that the Salt Department does not
but by then most of the field work for NFHS-3 had been completed.
monitor the qualify of salt transported by road.
Among the households that had their salt tested, just over half
From this analysis, the following conclusions can be drawn:
(51 %) were using iodized salt that was adequately iodized. There
1.
has been practically no change since NFHS -2, when 50% of the
There is connivance between the processors and middlemen
to exploit the ignorance of the consumers. This phenomenon
households were using adequately Iodized salt. In NFHS -3, 25%
thrives under the absence of a strong quality monitoring
were using inadequately Iodized salt, and the remaining 25% of
mechanism at production level.
salt was not iodized at all. The use of iodized salt was much higher
situation the salt processors supply different quality of Iodized
at 72% in urban areas as compared to 41% in the rural areas.
Taking advantage of this
salt to different states. However, due to the efforts of the Salt
There is also a sharp rise in the use of iodized salt as the wealth of
Department, the quality of iodization is better when the salt
household increased; it was observed that 85% of the household
transported by rail as compared to road.
in the highest wealth quintile used Iodized salt as compared to only
30% in the lowest wealth quintile. Hence, there is a need to make
2.
adequately iodized salt available to the lower as well as the upper
middle class staying especially in the rural areas.
3.
The quality of iodization is better in states where there are few
buying agents.
It may be observed that the use of iodized salt varies dramatically
from one state to another. These variations may be attributed to a
The processors do not have the capacity or availability of user
friendly system for monitoring quality of iodization.
4.
Coverage of Iodized salt is low in salt producing and
number of factors, i.e the place of production, mode of
neighboring states due to easy access of inadequately Iodized
transportation, enforcement efforts, difference in pricing structure,
salt by road.
state regulations, storage patterns, type of salt being used etc.
Poda salt (Big Crystal), produced in Gujarat is being mainly
Salt to Kerala is mainly supplied by road from Tamilnadu where
supplied to Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh for human
74% of the households have access to adequately Iodized salt.
consumption. The observed coverage of Iodized salt in these states
Tamilnadu also supplies salt to other states like Orissa, Andhra
is contributed by refined salt which meets 30% of its demand. UP
Pradesh and Karnataka where the access to adequately iodized
consumes 558,166
salt is 39.6%, 31% and 43% respectively. Similarly, Gujarat
inadequately iodized. Similarly, 58,811 MT of Poda salt peryearis
MT of Poda salt per year, which is
supplies salt to entire Northeast states where the coverage varies
being consumed in MR which amounts to around 25% of the total
from 71.8% in Assam to 93.8% in Manipur whereas the availability
salt requirement of the state.
of adequately iodized salt in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh is
36.3% and 36.4% which is also being provided from the same
In order to address these challenges, it is critical to shift the pattern
of consumption from crystal salt to crushed-washed or higher
grades of salt. However, it is also crucial to understand that mere
variety of salt for food application or'iodized salt'as it is now being
shifting consumer preferences is not enough to ensure availability
called, is available in the market.
of adequately iodized salt at consumer level. The Poda salt poses
It may also be observed that cost incurred on iodization is minimal.
technological and commercial challenges. Since the crystals are
Most of the cost to salt is added by the components of handling,
irregular and large it is not possible to iodize uniformly. The
packaging and transport. Marketing and distribution is controlled
problem of inadequately iodized salt gets magnified because this
by financially strong merchants and processors. Though there is
variety is mainly sold in bulk packing of 50 kgs and not in small
fragmentation at production level, at marketing level there is
pouches of 1 kg.
consolidation. This phenomenon becomes more acute as value
There is also a challenge with crushing Poda salt and storing it.
addition on salt increases during production of different grades of
Crushing Poda salt results in formation of a very hard lumps which
salt. The requirement of marketing strength increase as salt is
are difficult to break. Lumps are formed due to presence of
upgraded from crystal-crushed, crushed and washed to finally
impurities. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a process to
refined salt. Iodization also improves when the packaging is
improve the quality of Poda salt so that it can be converted to
changed from bulk 50 Kg sacs to small 1 kg pouches.
storable crushed salt. Another disincentive to the processors for
It may be observed that in case of crystal salt, the salt merchants
not crushing Poda salt is the because of no incremental profit
have a tendency to compromise on the iodine levels as cost
margin to them in doing so.
towards iodization is 16.6% of the cost of raw salt and 9.6% of the
It is on established fact and even stated by Salt Department that the
total cost. Handling cost in production of crystal salt has been
country has adequate capacity to produce Iodized salt. But the
reduced in Gujarat with the use of mechanical loaders, whereas
point to be realized is that there is an uneven distribution of
for other states it continues to be an additional cost element. Due
processing capacity. As a result of this, the processors end up either
to this labour component of cost, additional cost towards
producing non-lodized salt or use devices like knap sac sprayers
iodization increases to 23.3% of the raw salt cost and 13.5% of the
that produce inadequately Iodized salt. This necessitates the need
total cost. The other cost elements being fixed and beyond their
for improvement of existing under-performing equipment and
control of salt merchants, compromise on addition of potassium
introduction of new equipment.
iodate is the immediate factor that they can manipulate in order to
maintain their profit margins.
Most of the salt production in India is characterized by the use of
low technology, labour intensive, solar evaporation process in
coastal areas which have scanty rainfall. Raw salt is produced by
In the light of this inherent nature of salt industry in India, the
low paid labour on piece rate basis. The product is cheap, has
ladder. It has been observed that with shift in production from
long shelf life and has insignificant losses even when stored in the
"Phoda" to crstal salt to powdered/refined salt, the iodization
open.
levels have improved. Since, the most vulnerable population
iodization levels improve as salt moves up on the value addition
belonging to low socio-economic status still continues to consume
In order to appraise the economic aspect of salt iodization at
"Phoda" or crystal salt primarily, we need to develop cost effective
processors end, it is important to understand the cost structure of
processes to ensure adequate iodization as well as show
production of different grades of salt. As stated above, a wide
profitability to the producers in their product.
The author is the Regional Program Manager - Salt Program of The Micronutrient Initiative
19
PEARLS OF WISDOM
"Many physicians would be surprised to learn that more than a hundred years ag0
iodine was .called "The Universal Medicine", and was used in several clinicQ|
conditions. Nobel Laureate Albert Szent Gyorgyi, the physician who discover^
Vitamin C in 1928, commented: "When I was a medical student, iodine in the form of
KI was the universal medicine. Nobody knew what it did, but it did something and djj
something good".
Daily consumption of Iodised sal
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Develop a global
partnership for
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is a healthy habit
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In preparing this issue we gratefully acknowledge the support from:
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Micronutrient
Initiative
Solutions for hidden hunger
Publishing any material in IQ+ Jagriti does not necessarily mean ICCIDD's endorsement of the views expressed therein or the results quoted.
Materials for publication, subscription request, comments may be sent to: Dr. Chandrakant S Pandav, Room No 28, CCM Building,
Old OT Block, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029 E-mail: cpandav@iqplusin.org
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