Role of the Iodine Global Network in Elimination of Iodine Deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Iodine deficiency (ID) is a major cause of brain damage if not corrected in early pregnancy. Even mild ID leads to measurable neurointellectual impairment. The iodine global network (IGN), previously the international council for the control of iodine deficiency disorders (ICCIDD), has achieved remarkable progress in facilitating iodine nutritional sufficiency in about 70-80% of countries in the world during the past 3 decades or so.

RESULTS: At present there are 25 countries with documented iodine deficiency. However, there are still many countries, especially in Europe, with mild iodine deficiency which require active interventional strategies to ensure adequate iodine nutrition. In this context, rigorous monitoring of iodine status is essential to ensure adequate iodisation.

CONCLUSION: The IGN, with 10 world-wide regional coordinators and 100 national coordinators is well placed to implement appropriate strategies to achieve these goals. The recent award of a Horizon 20/20 grant to European stakeholders to harmonise iodine supply in Europe emphasises the commitment of the EU to make improvement in the global iodine health. There are no relevant recent patents for this report.