Academic Institutions Role in Ensuring Sustainability of IDD Control Program: A Case Study from India.

ABSTRACT

Objectives: This paper discusses the role of academic institutions in ensuring sustainability of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) control Programme. Methods: A case study of six decade long (1956-2013) contribution of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi in IDD Control Programme in India is presented. Results: AIIMS, New Delhi, in association with other partners, launched seminal Kangra Valley Study in 1956 to assess the impact of iodized salt on IDD. Success of the study led to initiation of National Goitre Control Programme in 1962. Researchers from AIIMS provided evidence for extra- Himalayan existence of IDD, and impact of iodine on cognition leading to introduction of universal salt iodization in 1986 and subsequent renaming of programme as National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP). In the year 2000,when ban on sale of non-iodized salt was lifted research and policy advocacy was carried out to to achieve re-imposition of ban on non-iodized salt. AIIMS took lead in bringing all agencies working on IDD on the same platform through formation of National Coalition in 2006, the Secretariat of which is located at AIIMS. AIIMS continues to influence policy through representation in expert committees and other government forum. Currently tenth generation of IDD researchers is active in research and policy advocacy on IDD in the country. Conclusions: The reason for success of academic institution in ensuring sustainability is continuity in efforts, presence of champion, a multi-disciplinary team, , mentorship, credibility, evidence based policy and programme research and a facilitating role in coalition building to achieve coordination.