The Prevention and Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders - Nutrition policy discussion paper No. 3 (UNSSCN, 1988, 130 p.): 3. PREVALENCE OF IODINE DEFICIENCY DISORDERS (IDD): 3.5 WESTERN PACIFIC REGION

The Prevention and Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders - Nutrition policy discussion paper No. 3 (UNSSCN, 1988, 130 p.)

3. PREVALENCE OF IODINE DEFICIENCY DISORDERS (IDD)

		(introduction...)
		3.1 EUROPEAN REGION
		3.2 AMERICAN REGION
		3.3 AFRICAN REGION
		3.4 SOUTHEAST ASIAN REGION
		3.5 WESTERN PACIFIC REGION
		3.6 GENERAL CONCLUSIONS

3.5 WESTERN PACIFIC REGION

A report from China indicates a massive problem with about 30 percent of the population at risk of IDD (Table 13). Effective programmes have been operating since 1978. In that time, it was claimed that IDD have been completely controlled in six of 27 provinces (mainly with iodized salt), but in another 11 provinces the programmes, although started, have not yet been adequately established and shown (through monitoring) to be effective. There are about 10 million people in Xinjiang and Tibet who need an iodized oil programme, but transportation in these provinces is very difficult (Ma, 1984). Limited data from Vietnam, Laos and Kampuchea indicate that severe IDD exist. (See Table 6).

TABLE 13

EXTENT AND EFFECT OF IODIZATION PROGRAMMES IN THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

Population at risk of IDD	Methods of IDD Correction	Population covered by Programme	Evaluation Dates	Remarks
1983: 310,000,000 Some south China provinces not included	Chiefly iodized salt programmes, Certain areas use iodized oil injection	1984: 270,000,000 Some 60,000,000 people at risk not covered by iodization programmes	Among the 27 provinces with IDD endemia: 1. IDD controlled in 6 provinces by 1984. 2. Iodization programmes not well established in 11 provinces by 1984.	Although 310,000,000 are at risk of IDD under iodization programmes more than one third are not well quantified. Modern monitoring systems lacking to guarantee the quality of iodization programmes
1984: 330,000,000 Still some China provinces not included	Additional iodized oil injections for young married women in certain areas

Source: Ma Tai, 1984 Conclusion

China has made remarkable progress with salt iodization since 1978. This indicates the priority of prevention in the country's political philosophy. (See Sections 6 and 8).