Case Studies

Nigeria recently became the first country in Africa to be certified as having achieved the goals of Universal Salt Iodization (USI). A report on the Nigeria USI Assessment carried out in 2005 highlights the factors that contributed to Nigeria's success in ensuring that more than 90% of all households regularly consume adequately iodized salt. Among other factors, Nigeria was able to mobilize high level political support for the Iodization program, created an effective public private civic partnership in the form of its IDD/USI Task Force, an effective integrated monitoring system, and a consistent supply of adequately iodized salt. For more on Nigeria's effort to reach USI, go to: Nigeria Salt Iodisation

Lessons of experience from countries in Eastern and Southern Africa were discussed at a meetings held in Cape Town in 2005. The meeting highlighted the experiences of countries that have achieved USI, as well as countries where progress has stalled. It also identifies opportunities and challenges for including small scale salt producers in the USI efforts. The Strategic review on IDD in Eastern and Southern Africa provides more information.

Public-Private initiative on salt iodisation in Ghana. Through an innovative partnership, Annapurna, a high-quality iodised salt was launched on the Ghanaian market in 2000 contributing to a rapid increase in the consumption of iodised salt in the country. It turned out to be a win-win situation for the partners. By paying close attention to production and processing costs, and eliminating wasteful expenditures, Unilever succeeded in marketing an affordable high-quality product. It outsourced key components of the production and marketing process, thus generating employment. The Ministry of Health achieved its aim of protecting many more people against iodine deficiency disorders. Read more about Annapurna salt here: Annapurna salt in Ghana