Add to "My indicators"
Multi-sector coalition on salt iodization is active
Describes whether an active national multi-sector coalition related to the prevention of iodine deficiency through sustained salt iodization is established and recognized by the government.
An active national multi-sectorial coalition is the most effective way to coordinate the salt iodization programme in a country (1). Coalitions can be an important and useful way to increase power and stretch resources. The existence of a coalition implies a pact or treaty among individuals or groups, during which they cooperate in joint action for salt iodization programmes, each in their own self-interest, joining forces together for a common cause of universal salt iodization.
A successful salt iodization programme requires close and transparent collaboration among relevant entities of the government, national salt industry and civil society (1). For effective management and functioning of the salt iodization programme in a country, a national multi-sectoral coordination body including all the partners involved in iodine deficiency disorders control guides the national iodine programme, takes responsibility for coordinating and driving iodine deficiency disorders control-related activities in a country, and provides oversight on tracking its implementation and impact. Ideally, salt producers should be integral members of the coalition to jointly manage the various components of the salt iodization programme along with other actors such as government officials, international health agencies, consumer representatives, researchers, and academics.
Evidence of whether an active multi-sector coalition on salt iodization is in place: Yes/No.
Considerations for the estimation:
Minimum criteria for meeting this indicator need to be locally defined. These could include:
a. The coalition is active as indicated by regularly scheduled meetings (at least yearly) providing guidance and action steps for its members on salt iodization
b. Publication of a public report on progress of the iodine deficiency control program within the last 3 years. Ideally the group publicly issues a national report every three years demonstrating the accountability of the country’s government to its global commitments (e.g., the World Health Assembly resolutions) and highlighting how the information has been used to strengthen and sustain the national iodine nutrition strategy.
national coalition, national multi-sector collaboration, national public-private partnership, oversight committee, advocacy, publicity, accountability, progress reporting, public information
Food fortification
Input
Not applicable,
All
Early childhood development, Emergency setting or displaced population, Lactation, Pregnancy
Iodine
Market-based
Documentation may not always be available or easily accessible and a qualitative assessment may be required.
The World Health Assembly and the World Health Organization have called for the establishment of multi-sector coalitions to monitor the state of iodine nutrition in countries and this indicator monitors adherence to these mandates (2, 3). Once locally defined, it is relatively easy and feasible to assess the indicator.
The effectiveness of the coalition depends on the level of engagement and ability of the members to follow up actions on behalf of the entities they represent, based on the deliberations of the group. The existence of progress reports might not reflect the activity level or effectiveness of a multi-sector coalition. There is no standard definition of the indicator, which limits comparability to other countries.
In a country, the Ministry of Health established the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Commission. The Commission is charged with addressing iodine nutrition in the country and the salt iodization programme. The multi-stakeholder body has 10 members, including a member from the salt industry, the Ministry of Health, endocrinologists, nutritionists, administrative pharmacy representatives, and an obstetrician. It currently supervises the salt iodization programme, reports to the Ministry of Health and recommends adjustments to the salt iodine content when necessary. The current range allowable within national legislation for the iodine content of salt is 20 to 30 ppm, so no new legislation is needed. The Commission meets annually. It participates in the design, supervision and review of the national iodine surveys that are done at 5-year intervals with funding from the Ministry of Health. It reports at 3-year intervals to the World Health Organization on the current status of iodine nutrition in the country. It regularly answers questions from the public and consumer groups regarding the iodized salt program, and publishes articles in the lay newspapers informing the public on the programme.
For this indicator (multi-sector coalition on salt iodization is active), the response was “Yes".
1. WHO/UNICEF/ICCIDD. Assessment of iodine deficiency disorders and monitoring their elimination. A guide for programme managers, third edition. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2007 (http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2007/9789241595827_eng.pdf, accessed 28 January 2015).
2. Resolution WHA58.24. Sustaining the elimination of iodine deficiency disorders. In: Fifty-eighth World Health Assembly, Geneva 16-25 May 2005. Resolutions and decisions, annex. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2005:100-102 (WHA58/2005/REC/1 (http://apps.who.int/gb/ebwha/pdf_files/WHA58-REC1/english/A58_2005_REC1-en.pdf, accessed 28 January 2015).
3. Resolution WHA60.21. Sustaining the elimination of iodine deficiency disorders. In: Sixtieth World Health Assembly, Geneva 14-23 May 2007. Resolutions and decisions, annexes. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2005:84 (WHASS1/2006-WHA60/2007/REC/1 ( http://apps.who.int/gb/ebwha/pdf_files/WHASSA_WHA60-Rec1/E/reso-60-en.pdf , accessed 28 January 2015).