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A Test of Salt

In the photograph above a chemist and production manager work together to ensure adequate levels of iodine in the salt produced in their salt mill.

Documenting Salt Iodization in Bangladesh

Quay Asia is documenting the history of salt iodization in Bangladesh for Nutrition International.

The Government’s Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders project aims to achieve Universal Salt Iodization in Bangladesh by 2023.

In 1989 Bangladesh was one of the first countries to introduce the mandatory iodization of salt.

Over the last three decades Bangladesh has made very significant progress on its Universal Salt Iodization strategy. These days over 80 per cent of households consume iodized salt.

UNICEF, GAIN and Nutrition International have all contributed to the Government’s efforts. Goitre, one the most visible disorders caused by iodine deficiency has been almost eradicated in its most severe form.

But, in fact, only around 50 per cent of households consume adequately iodized salt. That means that half of all households are consuming salt with no or too little iodine.

Quay Asia is working with Nutrition International to document the key events in the history of salt iodization in Bangladesh.