Analysis of the iodine deficiency situation in Latin America: trends and action strategies

ABSTRACT

A review of the literature and of the most recent available reports on iodine deficieny and its control programs in Latin America was made, including goiter prevalence, iodine urinary excretion, salt iodization, supplementation of iodized compounds, current legal provisions, and action plans for the prevention and control of iodine deficiency disorders. Likewise, different actions of interagency coordination carried out during 1983-1994 to control iodine deficiency disorders in Latin America were reviewed and analyzed. Results are described in Chapter VII, and summaries of the information from the countries in Chapter VIII. The conclusions and suggestions for future actions are presented in Chapters IX and X, and the data sources and references in Chapter XI. Annex I presents the tables, and Annex II, a form prepared by the WHO Nutrition Unit in Geneva, with the aim that all the countries keep updated standardized data, thus facilitating information exchange and compatibility at international level. Annex III presents the Declaration of the Representatives of the Central American Governments and the salt industry for the Eradication of Iodine Deficienchy Disorders, and Annex IV the Declaration of Quito on Universal Salt Iodization