Strategy of Kazakhstan in Establishing of Biological Monitoring of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD)

Abstract

Objectives: Achievement the complete elimination of iodine deficiency and control of the situation is necessary to establish a well-functioning monitoring model using clearly-defined evaluation criteria and methodology. In this regard, the purpose is implementation of iodine status monitoring of indicator groups of the population in the framework of the State Program of Kazakhstan for 2011-2015 "Salamatty Kazakhstan". Methods: A population based cross sectional study was surveyed to analyze data of iodine intake among children and women in each region of Kazakhstan. Urinary iodine excretion was measured in casual urine samples and iodine intake was defined in resource iodine lab of Kazakh Academy of Nutrition which successfully participated in external quality control program EQUIP (CDC, Atlanta). The women were interviewed about salt iodization issue and salt samples were collected from their households for iodine determination. Results: Implementation of IDD monitoring began in 2011 covering all 16 regions of Kazakhstan and reflects the current situation. From 2012 a survey has conducted annually in three or four oblasts. It means in 2015 all oblasts of Kazakhstan will cover with situation analysis in each oblast to take corrective measures and improvements iodine issue in Kazakhstan. Conclusions: Thus, the strategy of establishing biological monitoring will provide an objective picture of IDD status in each oblast at intervals of 5 years, which will monitor the situation of supplementation iodine intake of Kazakhstan population. Effective and long-term strategy of monitoring supported by government will lead to reduce iodine consequences and brain damage.